Badminton champion Jwala Gutta has leveraged her platform to raise awareness about the critical need for donor breast milk, urging people to support milk banks. The athlete, who welcomed a daughter in April with her husband, actor-producer Vishnu Vishal, recently announced on social media that she has donated a significant amount of breast milk to a government hospital. While online reports suggest she has donated about 30 litres, this claim has not been independently verified.
Gutta's initiative is aimed at helping newborns who are critically ill, born prematurely, or do not have access to their mother's milk. She took to social media to share her message, writing, “Breast milk saves lives. For premature and sick babies, donor milk can be life-changing. If you’re able to donate, you could be a hero to a family in need. Learn more, share the word, and support milk banks!” Her post was met with widespread praise, with one user commenting, "Kudos to you for participating and raising awareness," while others simply offered a "Salute to you."
The move sheds light on a crucial area of infant health where donated milk plays an irreplaceable role. The medical community recognizes that donor milk can be life-saving for vulnerable infants, particularly those in neonatal intensive care units. By using her voice and personal experience, Gutta has brought national attention to the importance of milk banks and the impact they have on infant mortality rates.
Beyond her recent donation, Gutta and Vishnu Vishal's personal journey to parenthood has also garnered public attention. Vishal recently revealed their difficult and emotionally taxing experience with IVF. After multiple failed cycles, the couple was on the verge of giving up when actor Aamir Khan stepped in to help. According to Vishal, Khan "pointed us in the right direction for medical help," and Gutta stayed at his Mumbai residence for a period of ten months to undergo treatment.
Following the successful birth of their daughter, Vishal asked Aamir Khan to name her. Khan agreed, traveling to Hyderabad for the ceremony and naming the baby girl Mira. On July 6, Vishal shared a heartwarming family photo with Khan on social media, writing, "Introducing our MIRA... A big hug to #AamirKhan sir for coming all the way to Hyderabad to name our baby. MIRA represents unconditional love and peace. The journey with Aamir sir to this point has been a magical one..."