Mumbai, Sep.18,2025:Badminton champion Jwala Gutta Breast Milk Donation news has gone viral after she revealed donating nearly 30 litres of breast milk to a milk bank. On social media, she shared heartfelt pictures and encouraged other mothers to come forward-
She wrote, “Breast milk saves lives. For premature and sick babies, donor milk can be a lifesaver. If you can donate, you can be a hero for a family in need.”
Her initiative not only supports infants who cannot access their mother’s milk but also spreads much-needed awareness about human milk banking in India.
Why Breast Milk Donation Matters
Breast milk is considered nature’s best food for babies. It provides immunity, essential nutrients, and antibodies that formula milk cannot match.
Premature babies, low-birth-weight infants, or babies who lose their mothers at birth are among those who need donor milk most urgently. According to WHO, breast milk reduces infant mortality and protects newborns from life-threatening infections.
In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), donor milk often acts as a lifesaving bridge until a baby’s mother can breastfeed.
Rules for Breast Milk Donation in India
The rules for breast milk donation in India are clear-
- It must be a voluntary act (no buying or selling allowed).
- Only healthy mothers producing more than their child’s needs can donate.
- Medical screening is mandatory to prevent the risk of infections.
- Donated milk is pasteurized before use.
Currently, there is no national-level data, but experts agree that milk banks often struggle to meet NICU demand.
Who Can Donate Breast Milk
Doctors emphasize that only mothers who-
- Have healthy, full-term babies,
- Produce surplus milk,
- Test negative for infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and Syphilis,
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs,
are eligible for breast milk donation.
Dr. Sushma Nangia, Head of Neonatology at Lady Hardinge Medical College, says:
“Only mothers who are completely healthy and can feed their own babies sufficiently should donate. It must remain voluntary, not forced.”
How is Donor Breast Milk Collected and Stored
- Milk is expressed using a sterilized breast pump.
- Stored at –20°C in sterile containers.
- Pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria.
- Shelf life: 3 months if stored properly.
- Supplied to NICUs on prescription only.
This ensures babies receive safe, infection-free donor milk.
The Role of Human Milk Banks in India
India’s first human milk bank was set up in 1989 at Mumbai’s Lokmanya Tilak Hospital.
- By 2019: only 22 milk banks.
- By 2021: nearly 90.
- Today: about 100 across the country.
Yet, the demand far exceeds supply. For instance, Delhi has only two government-run milk banks (Lady Hardinge and AIIMS) while private ones like Amara Milk Bank struggle with low donations despite high demand.
According to Dr. Raghuram Malaya of Amara Milk Bank-
“We receive only around 40 litres a month, which is far less than required for hundreds of NICU babies.”
Challenges in Breast Milk Donation
- Low Awareness – Many mothers are unaware that they can donate.
- Social Stigma – Cultural hesitations around sharing breast milk.
- Limited Infrastructure – Few milk banks across India.
- High Demand in NICUs – Premature births are rising, but supply is scarce.
Global and Indian Research on Donor Milk
Research published in the International Breastfeeding Journal during COVID-19 revealed-
- Breast milk donations dropped due to restrictions.
- Demand for pasteurized donor milk increased sharply.
- On average, an 80-bed NICU needs 15 litres of donor milk per month.
In July 2025, Trichy’s Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital reported 639 mothers donating 192 litres of milk, helping over 630 newborns.
Expert Opinions on Donor Breast Milk
- Dr. Sushma Nangia: “Mother’s own milk is best, but donor milk is a lifesaving alternative when unavailable.”
- Dr. Raghuram Malaya: “Awareness is crucial. Donor milk saves countless babies, but we need more volunteers.”
Future of Breast Milk Banking in India
Experts recommend a hub-and-spoke model–
- One central milk bank collects, pasteurizes, and distributes.
- Linked hospitals within 10 km supply and access milk.
This could help bridge the massive gap between demand and supply.
Spreading Awareness Through Role Models
The news of Jwala Gutta Breast Milk Donation is more than just a celebrity gesture—it is a powerful call to action.
With India facing high neonatal mortality, every donation counts. By speaking openly, Jwala has become a role model for mothers nationwide.
Awareness, infrastructure, and collective responsibility can ensure no new-born is deprived of the life-saving benefits of breast milk.
