Organ Donation

The need of organ donation has never been greater than in today’s times. More than half a million Indians are estimated to be in dire need of an organ transplant.

What is an Organ Donation?

Know the importance of organ transplants to understand organ donation. A transplant is a medical procedure where one person’s dysfunctional organ or tissue is replaced by that of a healthy person. In certain cases, despite major advances in the medical world, transplant is the only option available for the patient. Transplants drastically improve the quality of life of the patient and give them another chance to live.

An estimate indicates that in India alone annually about 5 lakh people die every year because of non availability of organs. Another shocking statistic is that 90% of the people in the waiting list die without getting an organ. Almost anyone can donate organs regardless of their age. One organ donor can save up to 8 lives and heal the lives of 75 through a tissue donation.

What are the different types of Organ Donation?

In organ donation, a person pledges during her/his lifetime, that after death, certain (or all) organs from the body can be used for transplantation to help terminally ill patients get a new lease of life. With recent advances in transplantation, people of all ages and medical histories can donate organs. However, the final call on the organs and tissue that can be donated is taken only after doctors analyze the donor’s medical condition.

• Living Donation – Living donation takes place when a living person donates an organ (or part of an organ) for transplantation to another person. The living donor can be a family member, such as a parent, child, brother or sister, grandparent or grandchild (living related donation). It can also come from someone who is emotionally related to the recipient, such as a good friend, a relative, a neighbour or an in-law. (living unrelated donation)
• Deceased cadaver donation – The patient has to register in a hospital that does transplants. The patient will be put on a wait list.As and when the organ from an appropriate deceased donor (brain death) is available, the patient will be intimate.

Some of the conditions in which transplant is needed:

1. Structural abnormality – Some individuals are born with an abnormality like a congenital heart defect. Biliary Atresia is one the most common reasons why a child might need a liver transplant – it is because the bile duct has failed to develop.

2. Born with a Disease – Diseases such as cystic fibrosis may cause an organ to fail.

3. Developed an illness – Some people are unlucky enough to contract a disease that could result in an organ failure.

What organs and tissues can be transplanted?

• Liver
• Kidney
• Pancreas
• Heart
• Lung
• Intestine
• Cornea
• Middle ear
• Skin
• Bone
• Bone marrow
• Heart valves
• Connective tissue
• Vascularized composite allografts (transplant of several structures that may include skin, bone, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue)

Why India sees a shortage of Organ donors:

• There is a major lack of awareness about organ donation in India.
• A major reason for the shortage of organs is that many people have not recorded their wish about organ donation or discussed it with their families. After the death of the individual the families decision is considered as final.
• Certain myths and misconceptions about organ donation discourage potential donors from making the decision to donate organs or tissue after death.

Who can be an organ donor?

People of all ages should consider themselves potential donors. When a person dies, he or she is evaluated for donor suitability based on their medical history and age. The Organ Procurement Agency determines medical suitability for donation.

Who decides the candidate eligible for a transplant?

The organ is offered first to the transplant centre with the candidate who is the best match. The transplant team decides if it will accept or refuse the organ based on established medical criteria, medical urgency, and other factors like patient availability and organ transportation.

If the transplant centre refuses the organ, the transplant centre of the next patient on the list is contacted and the process continues until the organ is placed. Organs are distributed locally first; if no match is found, they are offered regionally and then nationally.

Some things about Organ Donation:

• Anyone can be an organ donor irrespective of age, caste, religion, community, current or past medical condition. Children can also be organ donors after taking consent for organ donation from their parents.
• However certain diseases like active cancer, active HIV, active infection have restrictions. Patients suffering from Hepatitis B and C also have some limitations.
• Vital organs like heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and pancreas can be donated only in case of ‘brain death’.
• However other tissues like corneas, heart valves, skin, bones etc can be donated only in case of natural death.

Take a moment for wisdom and pledge to gift someone a new life – sign up to be an organ donor. Log on to www.organdonationday.in or give a missed call at 918826262626 to register yourself.

The World Health Organisation WHO recommends six months of exclusive breastfeeding for babies and thereafter continuing breastfeeding on demand till the child reaches two years of age. Breast feeding is the most valuable gift which you can give to your newborn. It is the healthiest natural food for your baby and undoubtedly plays a very important role in his/her life. Breast milk contains all the nutrients which babies need for their growth and to stay healthy for a longer period of time.

Benefits of Breastfeeding:

• Early breast milk also called colostrum is a magical liquid for your baby. This milk is rich in nutrients and antibodies and helps to protect your baby.
• Exclusive breast feeding during the first six months protects your baby from various types of illness. The protection given by mother’s milk is quite unique and can never be matched by formula milk. Breast feeding is also helpful in reducing the cases of pneumonia, meningitis, asthma and risk of different allergies in your baby.
• Your breast milk changes as your baby grows, colostrum changes into the much refined form of milk which contains the perfect amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, water, sugars, vitamins and minerals. Basically it provides all essential nutrients and antibodies which your baby needs for his proper development and growth
• Most of the infants can digest breast milk very easily as compare to formula or any other milk because breast milk contains certain enzymes which helps baby to digest the milk.
• Research suggests that exclusive breastfeeding to your babies for first 6 months can help in improving your baby’s cognitive development. There are also some evidences which support that children who were breastfed in their early life score higher on IQ tests and academics.
• Breastfeeding is a great way for mothers to regain their pre-pregnancy size as lactation triggers the contractions in uterus and helps it to shrink to the normal size. Feeding your baby also burns the extra calories without even doing any work.
• Breastfeeding not only protects your child from different diseases but also reduces the mothers risk from health problems like type 2 diabetes, postpartum depression, ovarian and breast cancer.
• Breast feeding saves money and is convenient. It eliminates the need of formula and related feeding supplies essentials and sterilizing of bottles.
• Breast milk is safe and always ready for your baby’s consumption due to its right temperature and availability. Travel can be easier too with breastfeeding as your baby will never run out of food.

A breastfeeding mothers diet

Many new moms wonder how breastfeeding will affect their diet. Here are a few tips:

Eat a well-balanced diet for your health

You need a lot of energy and stamina to meet the physical demands of caring for a new baby. Eating small meals with healthy snacks in between – the way you may have done during pregnancy – is a good way to keep your hunger in check and your energy level high.

Don’t count calories

Breastfeeding and dieting do not go together. Most breastfeeding women need about 500 calories extra every day. Instead of counting calories, follow your hunger as a guide to how much you need to eat.

Include a variety of healthy foods

Complex carbs like wholegrains, cereals and fresh fruits and vegetables not only provide more nutrition than processed starches and sugars, they provide longer-lasting energy. And choosing from all food groups is important so you can get the vitamins you and your baby need over time.

Choose good fats

When it comes to fat, think mono- and polyunsaturated fats. Sources of these “healthy fats” include canola oil, olive oil, and fatty fish as well as avocados, olives, nuts, and seeds. Limit saturated fats and avoid trans fats, both of which are considered unhealthy.

Say No to alcohol

Hold off on drinking alcohol while you’re breastfeeding. Alcohol does enter your breast milk, and having as little as one drink may affect your milk letdown reflex.

Stay hydrated

When you’re breastfeeding, your body needs plenty of fluids. Keep sipping on water and other healthy liquids throughout the day. If your urine is clear or light yellow, it’s a good sign that you’re well hydrated. Limit your caffeine intake as it dehydrates you and may also accumulate in your baby’s system.

A new mother may have various concerns about breastfeeding. Let’s look at some common issues:

Signs that indicate your baby is getting enough breast milk

• Your baby seems relaxed and satisfied after a feeding.
• Your baby shows a good weight gain pattern.
• Your baby wets at least six diapers a day after your milk comes in.

Signs that show your baby remains hungry:

• Your baby continues to lose weight.
• Your baby is wetting fewer than six diapers in a 24-hour period after the five days following his birth.
• Your baby’s urine is very dark.
• Your baby is fussy or lethargic much of the time.

Although most moms are able to provide their babies with all the milk they need, sometimes babies don’t get enough. The mother may be facing some breastfeeding issues and if it is not addressed soon the baby can suffer from severe dehydration. Seek your paediatricians help immediately in such cases or consult a lactation consultant. Consult experts at our centre for Mother and Child for any help needed for Breastfeeding. Please find below link as below:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_motherchild.html