World Breastfeeding Week at Rural Health Training Centre
Aligarh : Faculty members of the Department of Community Medicine, J N Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) conducted a wide variety of activities to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding and raise awareness among nursing mothers at the Rural Health Training Centre, Jawan to observe the ‘World Breastfeeding Week’.
“Breastfeeding promotes healthy digestive system and strengthens a baby’s immune system. For mothers, it helps in recovery and aids in weight loss and lowers the risk of postpartum depression,” said Prof Anees Ahmad, Chairman, Department of Community Medicine.
Speaking on this year’s theme, ‘Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility’, Dr Tabassum Nawab stressed that it is everyone’s joint responsibility to encourage and protect breastfeeding. It starts from the mother herself, then the family members, friends, relatives, and others equally.
“World Breastfeeding Week aims to highlight the huge benefits that breastfeeding can bring to the health of babies and benefits to mothers, focusing on good nutrition, poverty reduction, and food security,” emphasised Dr Asma Aftab while giving an introduction to the world-wide observation of the Breastfeeding Week.
Dr Shaista Parveen stressed that a baby fed on breast milk is protected against allergies, sickness, obesity, diseases and infections. Breast milk is easily digested and babies never suffer constipation, diarrhea or stomach upsets.
She also counselled the nursing mothers on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of Baby’s birth.
Dr Fazeelah Tasleem spoke about how breastfeeding can be challenging, especially during the Covid pandemic urging nursing mothers to follow appropriate Covid behaviour by wearing masks, regular sanitisation and physical distancing.
Dr Simon Jude gave a presentation on the proper ways of counselling community members to ensure their participation in breastfeeding.
Dr UzmaEram and Dr Tabassum Nawab conducted the programme. Dr Pawan, Dr Ambika, Dr Zafar and Dr Shahnawaz coordinated various activities.
Faculty members also counselled nursing mothers and their husbands in a special session.