Mother milk is the best source of nutrition for babies, and it is especially crucial for newborns and infants who are separated from their mothers due to various reasons. With this in mind, the government of Uttarakhand is all set to establish the country’s first government mother milk bank for orphan children in the state.
Importance of mother Milk for Infants
Mother milk is vital for the growth and development of newborns and infants, as it provides the necessary nutrients, antibodies, and other essential components that are crucial for their physical and mental development. It also helps in building a strong immune system that protects babies from various infections and diseases. However, many infants, especially those who are orphaned or abandoned, do not have access to this vital source of nutrition, which can affect their overall health and well-being.
Country’s First Government Mother Milk Bank
In a bid to address this issue, the government of Uttarakhand has announced the establishment of the country’s first government mother milk bank for orphan children in the state. The milk bank will provide free mother milk to orphaned and abandoned infants who are admitted to government-run hospitals in the state.
The milk bank will function on the basis of voluntary donations from lactating mothers who are willing to donate their milk. The donated milk will be screened and pasteurized to ensure that it is safe and free from any infections or diseases. Once the milk is pasteurized, it will be stored in freezers until it is needed. The milk bank will also
provide support and counseling to lactating mothers who are willing to donate their milk.
The initiative has been widely welcomed by child health experts and social workers, who believe that it will go a long way in addressing the issue of malnutrition among orphaned and abandoned infants. The milk bank will also help in reducing the mortality rate among such children, as breast milk has been proven to be an effective means of preventing infections and diseases.
Conclusion
The establishment of the country’s first government mother milk bank for orphan children is a commendable initiative by the government of Uttarakhand. It highlights the importance of breast milk for the growth and development of infants, and it is a step in the right direction towards ensuring that every child in the country has access to this vital source of nutrition.
