Anantapur’s milk of life saves newborn lives

Acts of kindness often create the strongest support systems for those in need. In Anantapur, hundreds of mothers are proving this through an initiative that is transforming newborn care.

The Ananta Mothers’ Milk Bank at Government General Hospital has emerged as a vital resource for vulnerable infants.

Since its launch on April 8, 2025, the facility has collected over 600 litres of donated breast milk. As a result, thousands of newborns have received life-saving nourishment during their most critical days.

The bank serves premature babies, orphaned infants and newborns whose mothers cannot breastfeed due to illness.

It also supports twins and low-birth-weight babies weighing between 800 grams and 1.5 kilograms.

Healthy lactating mothers with surplus milk voluntarily donate after feeding their own children.

Meanwhile, hospital authorities conduct detailed medical screenings to ensure complete safety.

After collection, experts pasteurise the milk and store it under strict conditions. Furthermore, they test it again before distribution. This process ensures that every drop reaches infants safely and effectively.

The response from the community has been remarkable. More than 5,000 women have donated milk, while over 40,000 mothers have received counselling about the importance of breast milk donation.

Consequently, more than 4,000 newborns have benefited from the programme.

Among the contributors, Bengaluru-based software professional Darshi Likhitha stands out for donating 45 litres of breast milk.

However, she is only one among many women quietly making a difference. Donors from villages and towns across the district have joined the effort without expecting any reward. Their motivation comes from knowing they are helping save young lives.

The initiative has also overcome logistical challenges. For mothers unable to travel, Resident Medical Officer Dr G. Hemalatha often arranges milk collection from their homes. Sometimes, she even uses her own vehicle to ensure donations reach the bank.

The idea originated from a tragic experience nearly 15 years ago when newborn twins lost access to their mother’s milk after she became critically ill.

The babies did not survive. Years later, a similar case ended differently when donated breast milk sustained the infants. That success inspired the creation of a dedicated milk bank.

Today, the facility represents compassion in action. More importantly, it shows how collective motherhood can offer hope, nourishment and a second chance at life.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on March 14, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1130375