Media Release

Udupi, Aug 9: The department of Child Health Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynaecological (OBG) Nursing and Community Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON) Manipal and Department of Paediatric and OBG, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, MAHE observed ‘World Breastfeeding Week’ from August 1 to 7 on the theme 'Empower parents, Enable Breastfeeding: Now and for the future!'.

The cost of inadequate feeding is too high. In India, only 55% of the babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months. Hence, Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) calls for action to raise the level of awareness among people to increase the breastfeeding rates by empowering women and creating an enabling environment for them. Keeping this in mind and to raise awareness regarding the importance of breastfeeding, week long activities were conducted for the nurses, ASHA workers, antenatal and postnatal mothers and their family members.

To sensitize on breastfeeding and its importance in the hospital and community, awareness programmes on breastfeeding and lactation counseling were conducted at Dr TMA Pai Hospital Udupi, Kasturba Hospital Manipal and Anganwadi Centre at Rajiva Nagar, Manipal and Kukkudakatte, Athrady in collaboration with Sangeetha, supervisor,
Women and Child Development Department from August 3 to 7 by the faculty members of MCON: Dr Mamatha S Pai, Dr Maria Pais, Anjalin D'Souza, Binu Margaret, Yashodamma, Ansuya. Lactation counselling to antenatal and postnatal mothers were given by Prathiba, Ranjani and Sangeetha during the week. To reach out and promote awareness to a
wider range of public, community awareness through a radio talk in Radio FM 90.4 MHz was broadcasted on August 1 and 2, which was coordinated by Dr Mamatha S Pai. A session on breastfeeding was delivered by Dr Maria at the camp of Rotary Club, Shankarpura, Udupi.

On August 6, a formal programme on World Breastfeeding Week celebration was organized. Dr Jayashree P, professor, department of Paediatrics, KMC delivered a session on the theme and emphasized on the policies related to breastfeeding, its advantages, early stimulation of breast and signs to start weaning. Dr Leslie Lewis emphasized on the early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour after birth, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, continued breastfeeding for two years and beyond with appropriate complementary feeding and also reinforced about the baby friendly hospital initiative and welcomed the gathering. Dr Mamatha S Pai, gave an overview of the activities of World Breastfeeding Week 2019.

Dr Srikiran A, HOD, dept of Pediatrics, in his address said that infant mortality rate of Udupi district is less compared to other districts of Karnataka and breastfeeding plays an important role to achieve this health indicator. He also emphasized the importance of attachment and that breastmilk not only enriches the body, but also the soul.

Dr Judith A Noronha, associate dean of MCON, in her address said that the problems related to breastfeeding should be identified during the antenatal period and counseling should be given. She also congratulated the team on the success of the programme.

The chief guest of the programme, Dr Muralidhar V Pai, HOD, dept of OBG, in his address highlighted the obstetrical importance of early initiation of breastfeeding to the mother and the baby and also about continued breastfeeding.

Dr Baby S Nayak, HOD, dept of Child Health Nursing thanked all the members.

The whole programme received lot of appreciation. Mothers should be continually empowered and an enriched environment should be provided for the success of breastfeeding, which would help to achieve targets of the health indicators.