DHAATRI: AN UPDATED REVIEW WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO HUMAN MILK BANKING

Abstract

In ancient science of Ayurveda the concept of dhaatri (a wet nurse) is mentioned by many Acharyas like Charaka and Sushruta and Kashyapa. In deficiency of breast milk, the concept of dhaatri-a wet nurse-to feed the baby gains its relevance. This is due to the fact that baby should not be supplemented with food but also be provided with an affectionate, experienced and nurturing support. According to a joint statement made by the WHO and UNICEF; “The best food for baby who cannot be breastfed should be feeded by milk expressed from the mother’s breast or from any other healthy mother”. Mother’s milk is considered to be mandatory for a newly born. It is said that the mother’s first milk is helpful in giving immense immunity to a child. So breast milk has a very important role for a child. As prevalence of so many diseases like HIV, HbsAg, CMV etc. are increasing in the society so prohibit the transmission of these diseases in children society is accepting the concept of human milk banking. The purpose of establishment of human milk banking is collecting, screening, processing, storing, distributing and donating of human milk. So the purpose of the study is review of both ancient dhaatri and modern human breast milk banking literature and give a glance at advantages and disadvantages of both concepts.