Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College Organises Public Awareness Programme on World Breastfeeding Week

Jhansi: On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, the Department of Pediatrics, Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, in collaboration with the Jhansi Academy of Pediatrics, organised a comprehensive public awareness programme in Ward No. 5 of the Medical College Hospital. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Prof. Sudhir Kumar, Principal, and chaired by Prof. G.S. Chaudhary, Head, Department of Pediatrics.

The programme was graced by Dr. Mayank Singh, Vice Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Shobha Chaturvedi, Head, Department of Community Medicine, and Prof. Dr. Kuldeep Chandel, Department of Medicine, as distinguished guests. The event was attended by Dr. Om Shankar Chaurasia, Dr. Aradhana Kankane, Dr. Nupur Pandey, Dr. Kavalpreet Chhabra, Dr. Sapna Gupta, President, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Jhansi Branch, Dr. Deepak Singh, Secretary, IAP Jhansi, senior and junior resident doctors, the Sister In-charge, nursing staff, a large number of women and lactating mothers, newborn babies and their family members, along with other dignitaries.

In his presidential address, Prof. G.S. Chaudhary welcomed the guests and participating mothers and said, “Breast milk is a baby’s first and best food. It not only provides complete nutrition but also protects infants against several serious infections and lays a strong foundation for their physical, mental, and cognitive development. Healthy children are the cornerstone of a healthy and developed India. Every mother should initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continue breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary feeding up to two years of age or beyond.”

Prof. Sudhir Kumar, Principal, emphasized that such public awareness programmes foster a positive attitude towards breastfeeding in society and play a crucial role in strengthening maternal and child health. He stated that World Breastfeeding Week is not merely a campaign but a people’s movement towards building a healthier future generation.

Dr. Mayank Singh, Vice Principal, described breast milk as the “elixir of life” for infants and advised mothers to avoid unnecessary use of formula or other external milk.

Dr. Om Shankar Chaurasia highlighted the scientific benefits of breastfeeding and described it as the most effective way to enhance immunity in newborns.

Dr. Aradhana Kankane shared practical strategies for working mothers to continue breastfeeding and explained the safe methods of expressing, storing, and using breast milk.

Dr. Nupur Pandey demonstrated the correct breastfeeding technique, proper positioning, and effective latch, while addressing the queries of participating mothers.

Dr. Sapna Gupta explained that mothers can safely breastfeed in most illnesses and routine situations, and that breastfeeding should be avoided only in a few specific medical conditions.

Dr. Deepak Singh highlighted the importance of balanced nutrition, adequate hydration, and a healthy lifestyle for breastfeeding mothers.

Prof. (Dr.) Shobha Chaturvedi stated that exclusive breastfeeding is one of the most effective and evidence-based interventions for reducing the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR).

Dr. Kavalpreet Chhabra emphasized that while complementary feeding should begin at six months of age, breastfeeding should continue for two years or beyond to ensure optimal growth and development of the child.

The programme was jointly moderated by Dr. Deepak Singh and Dr. Kavalpreet Chhabra, while Dr. Nupur Pandey proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the distinguished guests and participants.

At the conclusion of the programme, the participating mothers and family members pledged to promote breastfeeding and disseminate its life-saving message to every family in the community.