Chandigarh
3 August 2022
DIVYA AZAD
To mark World Breastfeeding Awareness Week 2022, a series of events are being organized by Fortis Hospital Mohali. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Step Up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support’. The celebrations kicked off with an informative session organized by Fortis Mohali for the anganwadi workers of Guru Ravidas Dharamshala, Sector 45, Chandigarh, today.
Dr Rabia Kapur, Lactation and Fitness Consultant, Fortis Mohali, briefed the anganwadi workers on the importance of breastfeeding and how it was crucial for a baby’s health. “It is necessary to exclusively breastfeed a child for six months of age and till 2 years with complementary foods.”, she said.
“The aim is to sensitise people on the practice and benefits of breastfeeding babies. Mother’s milk contains all essential nutrients which protect a baby from infections and diseases. It also lowers the risk of developing diseases such as breast cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, ovarian cancer etc. in lactating mothers. According to WHO and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) guidelines, the mother should be encouraged to breastfeed and practice skin-to-skin contact, even if the mother or child has suspected covid infection, while following covid safety protocols,” added Dr Kapur.
“It is necessary to exclusively breastfeed a child for at least six months of age till 2 years or longer. This not only benefits the child, but also helps the mother heal faster. During this phase, things like water, honey, tonic should not be given to the baby unless prescribed by a doctor”, added Dr Kapur.
Meanwhile, the Nursing Education Team of Fortis Mohali has also planned a series of events for staff members. A poster-making competition will be organised at the facility on 4th August. Dr Kapur will give a breastfeeding awareness talk to the nursing staff wherein she will educate themto encourage mothers for early initiation of breastfeeding and how to maintain lactation when the baby is away from the mother on 5th August. The series of events will culminate with a felicitation ceremony on 6th August.
