21,357 mothers in Gujarat donate breast milk, give new lease of life to 19,731 infants

From birth until six months of age, a mother’s milk is nothing short of nectar for an infant. However, some babies are unable to receive their mother’s milk either due to the mother’s health or the baby’s inability to feed directly. 

In such cases, ‘Human Milk Banks’ serve as a blessing, offering life-saving nourishment through donor mothers acting as indirect caregivers.

In Gujarat, 21,357 mothers have so far donated their invaluable breast milk to the state’s Mother Milk Banks, benefiting approximately 19,731 infants.

Every year, about 13 lakh babies are born in Gujarat, many of whom are premature or underweight. These newborns are particularly vulnerable in terms of cognitive and physical development and, due to medical complications, often cannot directly consume their mother’s milk. For such infants, donated breast milk becomes nectar.

To reduce infant mortality rates, the Gujarat government has supported the establishment of Mother Milk Banks in government hospitals. These banks play a crucial role in ensuring proper nutrition for countless newborns.

In the financial year 2024-25, a total of 5,537 mothers donated 5,039 litres of milk. This year alone, 2,092 litres of milk was provided through these banks, nourishing 7,829 babies and giving new life to 729 infants who were critically ill or undernourished.