By News Desk

Copyright thelogicalindian

Former Indian badminton ace Jwala Gutta’s recent humanitarian effort has drawn widespread admiration after she donated 30 litres of breast milk to government hospitals and milk banks to support premature and critically ill newborns, according to reports. In august, the Amritam Breastmilk Foundation shared on X that the player had donated 14.5 ltrs of breast milk.

Since giving birth to her daughter Mira in April 2025, Gutta has been donating approximately 600 ml daily, frequently visiting hospitals to contribute to donor milk banks. This significant gesture aims to help infants who cannot access their mothers’ milk due to medical complications or maternal absence.

Gutta has actively shared her mission on social media, urging more mothers to participate in breast milk donation drives and emphasising how such donations can be life-saving for vulnerable newborns.

Breast Milk Donation: A Lifeline for Newborns

Breast milk from donors is a critical nutritional resource, especially for babies born prematurely or with critical health conditions. Human milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that formula milk cannot replicate, increasing a baby’s chances of survival and healthy development.

Representatives from milk banks and healthcare organisations recognise Gutta’s contributions as “life-saving,” underscoring the scarcity of donor milk in many Indian hospitals. A spokesperson for the Amirtham Foundation, one of the milk banks receiving her donations, stated, “Every ounce donated fuels hope and health for infants who have no alternative.” Gutta’s public advocacy raises awareness about the importance of breast milk donation, encouraging women to see it as a vital service to their communities.

Growing Awareness and Social Acceptance in India

Breast milk donation remains relatively new and underutilised in India, where cultural taboos and lack of awareness often inhibit mothers from donating. Only a few hospitals, like Sion Hospital in Mumbai and Niloufer Children’s Hospital in Hyderabad, maintain milk banks with proper screening and storage facilities.

Mothers eligible to donate are those in good health, non-smokers, and free from infections, undergoing blood tests to ensure safety. Gutta’s initiative and openness about her donation journey have contributed to normalising milk donation, fostering public interest and acceptance. Her story has inspired many on social media, contributing to broader conversations about maternal and infant health while aiming to reduce infant mortality.

Despite challenges such as myths and nutritional concerns, awareness campaigns and corporate-led initiatives have helped increase breast milk donation rates in India, improving neonatal survival and promoting the establishment of over 90 milk banks nationwide.

According to recent data, nearly 24,000 babies received donor breast milk at NICUs in India between 2022 and 2025, improving survival rates to over 80%. Yet, awareness and access to milk banks remain limited, highlighting the need for broader outreach and education.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Jwala Gutta’s contributions highlight how individual acts of kindness can create ripple effects, redefining cultural attitudes and saving lives. This initiative aligns with The Logical Indian’s values of empathy, social compassion, and collective responsibility.

Beyond athletic achievements, Gutta exemplifies how personal courage and openness can inspire societal change and nurture hope for vulnerable communities. Breast milk donation is not just a medical necessity, it is an act of revolutionising how society supports its most fragile members.

“Breast milk saves lives.For premature and sick babies, donor milk can be life changing. If you’re able to donate, you could be a hero to a family in need. Learn more, share the word, and support milk banks! 💜 #BreastMilkDonation #DonateMilk #InfantHealth pic.twitter.com/qbMle3pgpR— Gutta Jwala 💙 (@Guttajwala) August 17, 2025

Warm Greetings To All !“Every ounce you give is a heartbeat of hope for a baby in need”We are happy to share that #amirthambreastmilkdonation have successfully collected 70 milk packets ( 14500 ml ) from our new donor mother Jwala Gutta @jwalagutta pic.twitter.com/RbXAXUJx4f— AMIRTHAM breastmilk donation (@amirtham_bm) August 19, 2025