Asia's First Maternal Milk Bank: A Lifeline for Thousands of Newborns

The Maternal Milk Bank at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, also known as Sion Hospital in Mumbai, has revolutionized neonatal care. Over the past five years, this pioneering initiative has provided life-saving nourishment to more than 10,000 newborns through the generous donations of over 43,000 mothers.

The Impact of Milk Donation

Milk donation plays a critical role in reducing mortality rates among low birth weight and underdeveloped newborns. Since its inception in 2019, the maternal milk bank at Sion Hospital has collected 4,184 liters of milk, benefiting 10,523 newborns. These donations have ensured that infants, particularly those born with insufficient growth or low birth weight, receive the essential nutrients they need to survive and thrive.

A Community Effort

The success of the milk bank is largely due to the widespread participation and support from lactating mothers. Between 2019 and 2024, 51,214 mothers were counseled on the importance of milk donation. Of these, 43,412 mothers went on to donate milk, showcasing a strong community effort towards improving neonatal health. This initiative not only provides milk to newborns but also supports mothers who, due to postpartum complications or low milk supply, are unable to breastfeed their babies.

Supporting New Mothers and Hospitals

The maternal milk bank at Sion Hospital serves as the Regional Consultative Center for Western India, providing guidance and support to establish new milk banks in government and private hospitals across Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Daman and Diu, and Maharashtra. The center regularly organizes training for doctors and nurses, ensuring high standards of care and management of milk banks.

A Vital Resource for Newborns

Every year, an average of 10,000 to 12,000 babies are born at Sion Hospital. Of these, 1,500 to 2,000 newborns, who require additional nutritional support, receive milk from the maternal milk bank. This initiative significantly improves their chances of survival and healthy development.

Government and Administrative Support

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has played a crucial role in the success of the maternal milk bank. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has emphasized the importance of using high-quality technology to ensure the safety and quality of donated milk. Dr. Mohan Joshi, a key figure at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical Hospital, highlighted the ongoing efforts to assist other states and hospitals in Maharashtra in setting up their own maternal milk banks, following BMC's exemplary model.

Conclusion

The Maternal Milk Bank at Sion Hospital stands as a testament to the power of community and innovation in healthcare. By providing essential nourishment to thousands of newborns, this initiative has not only saved lives but also paved the way for similar efforts across Western India. The collective efforts of mothers, healthcare professionals, and government support continue to make a profound difference in neonatal care.