Ahmedabad, May 9: A breast milk donation program at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital has collected 434 liters of human milk donated by 2,042 mothers, aiding the survival and recovery of 451 newborns.
The ‘Maa Vatsalya Milk Bank’ has been operational since August 28, 2025, at the 1,200-bed Civil Hospital. It was established to provide nutrition to premature and critically ill infants whose mothers are unable to breastfeed.
This initiative has received support from the neonatal care teams working in the hospital’s intensive care units. Dr. Sucheta Munshi, in charge of the milk bank, emphasized the critical role of breast milk in the growth and survival of newborns, especially in delicate cases.
She stated that a mother’s milk is akin to nectar for a newborn. Since the program’s inception, 2,042 mothers have donated breast milk not only for their children but also for other needy infants, resulting in a total of 434 liters collected.
Hospital officials noted that this program has become a vital component of neonatal intensive care support, particularly for infants born with low birth weight or those requiring extended hospital stays.
The hospital has highlighted several cases to showcase the program’s impact. For instance, Manjulaben’s newborn underwent surgery for a severe blood infection and intestinal obstruction, remaining hospitalized for 32 days during which she donated 24 liters of breast milk.
Krishnabhen’s premature and low-weight baby required special care and was discharged after 40 days, during which she also donated 24 liters of milk.
Punitaben gave birth to premature twins and donated 13 liters of breast milk within the first 40 days while caring for her children, both of whom later recovered.
In another case, Pooja Patel’s baby was born weighing just 815 grams and required intensive neonatal care, including surfactant therapy and CPAP support for 12 days. She continued to express milk for donation while providing ‘kangaroo mother care’ for 10 to 12 hours daily. On the 44th day, her baby was discharged weighing 1.25 kilograms.
Civil Superintendent Dr. Rakesh Joshi remarked that this initiative reflects both medical necessity and social contribution. He noted that this service exemplifies humanity and healthcare support, attributing the success to government efforts and community participation, which have led hundreds of children toward healthier lives.
Doctors at the hospital explained that breast milk plays a crucial role in strengthening the immunity of newborns and supports their physical and neurological development, especially for those born prematurely or with low birth weight.
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