World Prematurity Day falls on 17 November. A baby is born preterm, or premature, when they are born alive before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 13.4 million babies were born too early in 2020. For many of these babies, breast milk, whether their mother’s own or donated milk, is an important part of their care.
Why breast milk matters for babies born early
WHO lists early initiation of breastfeeding among the simple measures that can substantially reduce deaths among preterm and low-birth-weight babies, alongside kangaroo mother care (skin-to-skin care with the mother).
Sometimes a mother’s own milk is not available straight away. She may be unwell after the birth, separated from her baby while the baby is cared for in the NICU, or still waiting for her milk supply to build. For these situations, WHO recommends donor human milk for feeding preterm or low-birth-weight babies when the mother’s own milk is not available, preferably supplied through an established human milk bank.
How Achintya’s breastmilk donation works
Achintya Breastmilk Donation is a free, non-profit initiative that helps babies in the NICU, preterm babies, and babies whose mothers cannot feed them.
- Awareness session: we explain how donation works and answer your questions.
- Storage bags: donors receive storage bags for expressed milk.
- Collection: the milk is collected from you.
- Delivery: it is delivered to a hospital milk bank, where it can be given to babies who need it.
Mothers with extra breast milk anywhere in Tamil Nadu can take part. Milk banks have their own screening steps, and we will explain what is needed when you get in touch.
If your own baby arrives early
Expressing milk for a baby in the NICU can feel overwhelming. Our lactation consultation is a one-hour, one-to-one session with Mrs. Rajeswari Senthil, a BPNI certified lactation counsellor, covering milk supply, expressing and storing milk, at your home or at Achintya in Coimbatore.
Want to donate or need support?
Message us on WhatsApp or call +91 73390 96746. Fees are shared on enquiry.
This article is general information about pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. It does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife about your own health or your baby’s health.
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