about the issue and urge mothers to donate breast milk. The video went viral.
In the 4-minute video, Radhika asserts that breast milk is one of the precious gifts in life and it cannot be compared with breast milk. Sometimes, mothers cannot produce milk. For the children who were not breastfed, milk banks were established. “The mothers who have excess milk and have conditions to give milk can donate.” she appealed.
“This video is a special appeal for mothers who can donate their milk. Milk banks have been established in your counties and mothers can join hands for a noble cause and this wonderful”. Radhika said.
Dr Srikanth Manikanti, senior consultant pediatrician, one of the organizers of the walk, explains that there are 3.5 million premature babies in the country and the majority of them are breast milk.
If they are not breastfed, they will be susceptible to illness and most likely will not survive. Demand is more than supply and mothers should step forward to save babies. “Breastmilk is considered liquid gold for babies,” he explains.
To cater to newborn babies who are not being breastfed by their mothers, the Karnataka government established ‘Breastmilk Banks’ at four district headquarters including Bengaluru on the eve of International Women’s Day. Previously, this facility was only available in private hospitals. Health Minister K. Sudhakar inaugurated the ‘Amruthdhare Breast Milk Bank’ and urged mothers to continue donating breast milk to save babies’ lives.
“Breastmilk is a panacea for children. No child is deprived of breast milk. Very few children are unfortunately not breastfed because of the death of the mother or various other reasons. To serve the children. that child, breast milk banks have been opened at four district headquarters including Mysuru, Belagavi and Bengaluru,” he say.
Breast milk contains protein, salt, fat, nutrition and boosts immunity. Breast milk will be collected from donor mothers using special equipment, it will be pasteurized and then frozen. This breast milk can be stored for 6 months.
Source: IANS
