US Woman Sets Guinness Record For Breast Milk Donation; Here’s How Indian Moms Can Donate In India

Texas resident Alyssa Ogletree has broken her previous record for the largest individual breast milk donation, giving an impressive 2,645.58 litres to support those in need. As reported by The Guardian, Ms. Ogletree, 36, originally set the Guinness World Record in 2014 with a donation of 1,569.79 litres. Now, she has exceeded her past accomplishment, gaining recognition from Guinness for her remarkable generosity.

US Woman Sets Guinness Record For Breast Milk Donation

As per Guinness World Records page details, Alyssa Ogletree’s journey began in 2010 after her son Kyle was born. When she realised she was producing more milk than her baby needed, a nurse suggested she donate the extra milk to support mothers struggling to feed their infants.

This suggestion deeply resonated with her, igniting a commitment leading to her record-breaking donations. Over the years, Ogletree continued to donate milk following the births of her other sons, Kage, now 12, and Kory, now 7, after acting as a surrogate mother. She maintained a disciplined pumping schedule, expressing milk every three hours, including through the night. Although she has no medical reason for her high milk production, Ogletree credits her success to staying well-hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and adhering strictly to her pumping routine.

“I have a big heart, but ultimately, I’m not wealthy and can’t keep donating money to good causes because I have a family to provide for. But giving milk was a way I could make a difference,” Ogletree explained in a recent interview on the Guinness World Records website.

Don't Miss: World Breastfeeding Week 2024: How Smoking And Drinking Affect Breast Milk And Child’s Development 

How To Donate Breast Milk In India?

In India, donating breast milk is still uncommon, with only a limited number of facilities available across various cities. Some of the few established options for breast milk donation include:

• Sion Hospital, Mumbai
• Surya Hospitals, with branches in Mumbai, Pune, and Jaipur
• Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Hyderabad
• DPU Hospital, Pune
• Amaara Human Milk Bank, Delhi

Before you can become an approved breast milk donor, you must undergo a simple screening process to ensure you are healthy and eligible to donate. Since the milk will be given to sick infants, all necessary precautionary measures are strictly followed according to guidelines, ensuring the babies receive the best possible chance for survival and well-being.

According to the Breast Milk Foundation, donor mothers must meet the following criteria:

Donor mothers must be:

• In good health.
• Willing to undergo blood tests to rule out communicable diseases.
• Using only approved medications.
• Free from smoking.
• Free from illegal drug use and regular alcohol consumption.

Don't Miss: 6 Indian Superfoods To Boost Energy For New Mothers

You may still qualify as a donor if:

• You have had a major illness or surgery in the last 12 months.
• You have heart disease or high blood pressure.
• You have received vaccinations or shots in the last 12 months.
• You have taken certain medications.
• You have experienced significant weight loss.
• You consume coffee or alcohol in moderation.
• You received blood or blood products more than 12 months ago.

You cannot be a donor if:

• You have ever been infected with Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
• You have been infected with HIV or a venereal disease within the last 12 months.
• You are diabetic and require insulin injections.
• You have ever received human pituitary growth hormone or a dura mater transplant.
• You have a history of cancer.
• You have ever injected drugs intravenously.
• You have had intimate contact with anyone at risk for HIV, HTLV, or infectious hepatitis.
• You smoke, use any tobacco products or nicotine patches, or live with a smoker.

By donating to approved milk banks, Indian mothers can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of newborns in need, following necessary screening and safety guidelines.

Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.

Credits: Guinness World Record/Freepik