‘Just 100 ml can save a tiny baby’: Badminton star Jwala Gutta on donating 60l breast milk

Former Indian badminton star Jwala Gutta has earned widespread praise online after revealing that she donated nearly 60 litres of breast milk to government hospitals in Hyderabad and Chennai following the birth of her daughter.

Sharing the details in a heartfelt post on X, Jwala explained that the donation took place during the first year after childbirth and was aimed at helping vulnerable newborns admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Her post quickly drew attention across social media, with many users applauding the initiative and calling it life-saving.

Explaining why donor milk can be critical for premature and medically fragile infants, Jwala wrote that even a small quantity can make a major difference. “Just 100ml of donor milk can feed a tiny 1kg baby for several days. This donation could potentially support dozens of infants in the NICU. Donating is safe, screened, and desperately needed,” she said.

The former doubles specialist also highlighted the medical importance of donor human milk for babies whose mothers may not immediately be able to breastfeed due to complications after delivery. According to her, donor milk often acts as a temporary but crucial nutritional bridge during the earliest and most vulnerable days of a newborn’s life.

Jwala further noted that breast milk donation can support mothers dealing with stress, illness, malnutrition or premature birth, conditions that may delay milk production. She added, "Donor human milk is proven to significantly reduce the incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (a life-threatening gut condition) in premature infants!!!"

The badminton player urged people to learn more about breast milk donation programmes available through local hospitals and government health authorities. She also encouraged eligible mothers to consider contributing if possible.

Jwala and her husband, actor Vishnu Vishal, welcomed a baby girl last year.