Archive · 23 Jun 2025
Indore's Milk Bank Helps Over 1,000 Newborns Survive
Indore, India, has a special bank at a hospital (MTH) that stores breast milk to help babies.
Since 2023, it's saved over 1,000 babies!
Mothers donate milk, which is crucial for babies who are born early, have low weight, or whose mothers can't breastfeed.
The milk gives these babies the nutrients and protection they need to survive.
Before the bank, many babies didn't survive because they lacked mother's milk, but now, the hospital sees fewer deaths and more babies going home healthy.
The milk bank's team helps mothers understand the process and address any worries.
Indore's Mother's Milk Bank, established in March 2023 at MTH, has helped over 1,000 babies survive.
The milk bank has received 210 liters of breast milk from over 1,000 mothers who were counseled.
The neonatal mortality rate at MTH dropped significantly, from 25% to consistently 11%, sometimes under 10%.
The discharge rate for newborns has improved to 85%.
The bank addresses milk unavailability for premature, low birth weight, adopted, abandoned, or mothers with breastfeeding challenges.
- Who
- Over 1,000 babies and over 1,000 mothers, along with healthcare professionals and counselors.
- What
- A Mother's Milk Bank helping premature and vulnerable infants.
- When
- Operational since March 2023.
- Where
- Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, at the Maharaja Tukojirao Hospital (MTH).
- Why
- To provide essential nutrients and immunity to vulnerable newborns, improving survival rates.
Initial Concerns
Supportive Environment
Mothers' Reluctance to Donate Milk
Initial Concerns
Mothers expressed reluctance.
Supportive Environment
The bank has dedicated counselors to dispel myths and foster a supportive environment.
- Location
- Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Facility
- Maharaja Tukojirao Hospital (MTH)
- Operational Start
- March 2023
- Babies Helped
- Over 1,000
- Milk Donated
- 210 liters
- Neonatal Mortality Rate Drop
- From 25% to 11% (or less)
- Newborn Discharge Rate
- 85%