Aug. 9,2025– A homemaker from Tamil Nadu has achieved a rare distinction by donating more than 300 litres of breast milk, setting national and continental records for her exceptional contribution to infant care.
Mrs. M. Selva Brindha, aged 33, began her donations in April 2023 when her newborn daughter required treatment for jaundice at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) in Tiruchirappalli. While expressing milk for her child, she found that her supply exceeded her baby’s needs. On the advice of doctors, she started giving the surplus to the hospital’s human milk bank, which supports premature and critically ill infants.
Over the course of 22 months, she continued to contribute regularly, ultimately reaching a total of 300.17 litres. Hospital officials estimate that her donations have benefited thousands of newborns, many of them in fragile health.
Medical professionals emphasize that breast milk is essential for infant survival, especially for premature babies or those with health complications. It provides natural antibodies, enzymes, and nutrients that formula milk cannot replicate. In cases where a mother is unable to produce milk due to illness or other challenges, donated milk can be vital.
Authorities at MGMGH praised Mrs. Brindha’s dedication, noting that consistent donors are crucial for sustaining milk banks. The India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records have both recognized her achievement, commending her service to public health.
Speaking about her motivation, Mrs. Brindha said her decision was inspired by witnessing the struggles of infants in the NICU. She expressed the hope that more mothers would come forward to donate and that awareness of milk banking would grow.
Experts point out that breast milk donation remains uncommon in India, often due to a lack of information and cultural hesitations. Hospitals that operate milk banks follow strict screening and pasteurization procedures to ensure the milk is safe for consumption by vulnerable infants.
Mrs. Brindha’s record-setting effort has been hailed as an extraordinary act of compassion, demonstrating how individual generosity can directly save lives and strengthen neonatal care.
