Thursday, 08 August 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Himalayan Hospital organised an awareness programme to educate mothers as part of World Breastfeeding Week on Wednesday. The department of community medicine at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) and the Himalayan Hospital conducted a week-long awareness campaign in the rural areas around Doiwala. During the campaign, mothers of newborns were informed about the importance of breastfeeding.
Speaking on the occasion, the head of the community medicine department Dr Ashok Kumar Srivastava emphasised that the first breastfeeding session is beneficial for both the mother and the newborn’s health. He highlighted that the mother’s first thick yellow milk is the baby’s first vaccination, providing essential minerals and immunity against diseases. “Breastfeeding can reduce infant mortality rate and malnutrition by 19 per cent. The first milk of the mother is rich in vitamins, helps clean the infant’s intestines and protects the baby from jaundice,” he added.
Dr Surabhi Mishra said that due to lack of awareness, there is a misconception that the first milk can be harmful. She informed the gathering that a mother could start breastfeeding her baby approximately half an hour after birth. “In the case of a caesarean delivery, the mother can start breastfeeding about four hours after the operation or once the effects of anaesthesia wear off,” she added.
