Breast milk banks to feed orphaned infants

Chennai: Newborns who are abandoned, surrendered, or orphaned and left under the care of government-recognised adoption agencies may soon benefit from the powerful immune-boosting properties of breast milk. The milk will be sourced from the Comprehensive Lactation Management Centers run by the state health department.

Social welfare department and health department are working together to develop protocols for creating a dynamic list of infants, transporting breast milk with cold chain facilities, and providing safe storage in the agencies. “We have around 125 children under the age of six months in various registered adoption agencies. This is a dynamic list as children may go for adoption and some others may come in,” said social welfare secretary Jayashree Muralidharan. “So far, all these children have been given formula food. We thought of giving them breast milk as we have established government breast milk banks,” she said.

Madurai-based Claretian Mercy Home, which houses ten children under 18 months, is one of the potential beneficiaries. “We give the children formula feeds as per doctor’s prescription. While some products are from local markets, we source some through our donors from Europe,” said Fr Jose Pitchai CMF, who runs the home.

“We will give our children breast milk as it is a healthier option. We hope there will be adequate supply.” For up to six months of age, exclusive breast milk is the gold standard of nutrition.

“Breast milk ensures superior absorption of nutrients including those crucial for brain development. It is easily digestible and is packed with antibodies that prevent diseases,” said senior pediatrician Dr Rema Chandramohan, who heads the Institute of Child Health in Egmore.

Breast milk also adapts to a baby’s specific needs throughout their development. “For instance, premature babies with immature digestive systems benefit from breast milk naturally higher in protein, crucial for rapid growth and tissue repair. Full-term babies with a mature digestive system receive milk with higher lactose content. This sugar provides an energy source and fosters the growth of healthy gut bacteria,” she said. The state has more than 40 breast milk banks at government hospitals. While the lactation management centre helps mothers store breast milk and feed their children, the comprehensive lactation center is a pool that collects, screens, processes, and stores milk for distribution.

“Safe handling of processed breast milk is important. While breast milk offers unmatched benefits, improper storage or contamination during processing can introduce harmful bacteria or viruses,” said TN National Health Mission project director Shilpa Prabhakar Satish. The department said it will train staff at adoption agencies on hygiene and safe storage practices. The state will also run awareness campaigns to encourage nursing mothers to donate breast milk.