Mother’s milk is often called “liquid gold” — a complete food rich in nutrients and immunity-boosting antibodies that no formula milk can match. But what happens when a mother is unable to feed her newborn due to medical complications or other circumstances? This is where Mother Milk Banks step in as lifesavers.
What is a Mother Milk Bank?
A Mother Milk Bank is a facility where lactating mothers voluntarily donate excess breast milk. This milk is carefully collected, screened, pasteurised, and stored under strict safety standards. Later, it is provided to infants — especially premature, low birth weight, or critically ill babies — who are unable to receive their own mother’s milk.
Aanchal Mother Milk Bank – Rajasthan’s Lifesaving Initiative
Aanchal Mother Milk Bank, a government-run network in Rajasthan, was established to ensure no newborn is deprived of breast milk. By discouraging the use of formula milk in hospitals, the initiative provides safe and nutrient-rich mother’s milk to babies whose own mothers cannot feed them due to medical issues, abandonment, or other emergencies.
Why Are Mother Milk Banks So Important?
- Saves newborn lives by preventing malnutrition and infections.
- Boosts immunity and brain development in preterm babies.
- Reduces infant mortality rates by offering a natural alternative to formula milk.
- Promotes compassion and community service by connecting mothers willing to donate with babies in need.
Celebrating 9 Years of Aanchal Mother Milk Bank, Bharatpur
On the 9th anniversary of Aanchal Mother Milk Bank at Janana Hospital, Bharatpur, the women donors who have shared their milk to save countless newborns were honoured.
Mrs Anjana Sharma, Manager of the Bharatpur branch bank, explained the working of the bank. The Chief Guest, Mrs. Shivani Dayma (BJP District President), praised the initiative and highlighted how such programs are critical to reducing infant mortality in India. She inspected the entire facility, processes and safety standards.
Mrs. Vibha Garg, Head of Open Fields School, felicitated the mothers on behalf of Laghu Udhyog Bharti Mahila Ikai Bharatpur for their noble contribution and lauded their compassion. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Vibha Garg remarked:
“A mother feeding her own child is love. A mother feeding another’s child is humanity.”
The event celebrated compassion, community service, and the priceless gift of mother’s milk, setting an example for society to come forward and support such noble causes.