What began as a mother's personal journey to help save her own child has grown into an extraordinary mission to nourish hundreds of critically ill newborns.
A homemaker from Kattur in Trichy has donated over 300 litres of breast milk to a government-run human milk bank over the past 22 months, setting a national record and offering life-saving support to fragile infants in neonatal intensive care.
Selva Brindha's contribution to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital’s milk bank accounts for nearly half the bank’s total milk reserves collected in the year 2023–24. Her commitment earned her recognition in both the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records.
“It wasn't easy at first. I lost weight and faced scepticism,” Brindha shared, recounting the physical strain and social pressure she initially endured. “But once I learned that pumping milk burns calories and doesn't harm health, I kept going. Over time, I grew emotionally connected to the cause.”
Her journey was deeply personal. When her own daughter was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit shortly after birth, she required donor milk to survive. That experience sowed the seed for what would become a near two-year dedication to ensuring no newborn would suffer for want of nourishment.
“It’s not about how much you give--it’s that you choose to give at all,” Brindha said, reflecting on the meaning behind her mission.
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Hospital staff hailed her contribution as both extraordinary and selfless. “She’s made a huge difference to hundreds of babies. Her commitment deserves
recognition,” said Dr Padmapriya, who oversees the milk bank.
Brindha is scheduled to be felicitated at the hospital’s World Breastfeeding Week valedictory programme on August 7, where she will be honoured for her consistent and voluntary effort.
Breast milk donation remains under-acknowledged in India, and many women fear social stigma or health consequences. Brindha’s case not only sets a record but breaks taboos, encouraging others to come forward.
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