Cuttack: In a move that could go a long way in curbing infant mortality rate, the Sriram Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) has decided to set up a first-of-its-kind-in-the-state mothers’ milk bank at its Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) here.
The bank will provide pasteurised human milk to newborns. “Newborns who are unable to get their mothers’ milk, either due to abandonment, death of their mothers or during extended stay at the SNCU will be particularly benefited,” a senior paediatrician said.
According to sources, breast-milk will be collected from women who produce it in excess of their own babies’ needs. Then it will be cultured to ensure absence of bacteria. It will be later stored at the milk bank at -20 degree. The milk can be stored at the bank for a period of three months, a source pointed out, adding the life-saving milk will help infants to tackle a variety of critical conditions as compared to the powdered-formula.
A Lactation Management Centre will be opened at SCB’s Obstetrics & Gynaecology department. “Counselling sessions and guidance on breastfeeding will be imparted to lactating mothers,” SNCU in-charge officer Lina Das said, adding that she recently underwent a 15-day training session for this in Mumbai.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) equipment will be procured for the SCB’s SNCU. “CPAP, a ventilator, will be used to ensure uninterrupted passage of mild air and keep the airways continuously open in case of premature and underweight infants whose lungs have not yet fully developed,” Das said.
She further said Lamellar Flow machine will be procured to ensure a bacteria-free environment at the newborn ward. The machine will disinfect the ward in order to curb the spread of infection between the newborns.
Expressing contentment on the new measures, senior O&G specialist and former SCB superintendent Shyama Kanungo said the steps would go a long way in curbing the infant mortality rate in the state.
Pointing out the benefits of human milk, senior paediatrician and Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College Paediatrics department head Pravakar Mishra said, “The packed baby food has been ailing our future citizens. Mothers should be made aware about the ill impact of the powdered-formula available in the market.”
These infant-oriented facilities are indeed a gift for the state as Unicef has been awarding baby-friendly hospitals, Mishra said.
About the new facilities, SCB manager Soumya Mohanty said the setting up of the Lactation Management Centre is nearing completion. And the room connecting the SNCU has been chosen as the follow-up room. “Lactating mothers will be made aware of the benefits of breastfeeding through short videos,” Mohanty said.
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