Chandigarh/ PGIMER Celebrated World Breastfeeding Week

Organised a Workshop on “Breastfeeding : Embracing the Bond”

Chandigarh : “Breastfeeding is not merely a maternal responsibility; it is a public health imperative. By fostering a community of well-informed mothers, we are not only promoting the well-being of our children but also strengthening the health of our society as a whole,” stated the Chief Guest, Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, while addressing the inaugural session of the workshop titled “Breastfeeding: Embracing the Bond,” organized to mark World Breastfeeding Week 2024 at the APC Auditorium, PGIMER, yesterday.

Organised by the Department of Dietetics at PGIMER Chandigarh, setting the context, Dr. Nancy Sahni, Chief Dietician & Head, Deptt. of Dietetics, PGIMER, stated, “The key intent of the workshop is to promote the importance of breastfeeding, educate new and expectant mothers and provide a platform for healthcare professionals to share their knowledge and experiences. It was organised in association with the Nutrition Society of India (NSI), Indian Dietetic Association (IDA), Indian Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (IAPEN) India, Chandigarh Chapter, and ROTTO (North).
“In sync with the theme this year of World Breastfeeding Week, ‘closing the gap’, PGIMER is reiterating its dedication to the health and well-being of both mothers and infants,” reaffirmed Prof. Vipin Koushal.

Other dignitaries present at the inaugural session included Prof. Vanita Jain, Head, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Prof. Ashok Kumar, Addl. Medical Superintendent; Prof. Seema Chopra, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Prof. Arun Bansal, Additional Medical Superintendent, Advanced Pediatric Center; Dr. Shweta Talati, Addl. Prof., Dept. of Hospital Administration; Dr. Vijay Tadia, Asst. Prof., Dept. of Hospital Administration; and Dr. B.N. Behera, Senior Dietician, among others.

Appreciating the initiative, Prof. Vanita Jain, Head, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PGIMER stated, “Breastfeeding not only strengthens the bond between mother and child but also offers significant health benefits. For infants, it provides essential nutrients and antibodies that bolster their immune systems, safeguarding them against various infections and diseases. For mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers, along with other health conditions. It’s a vital practice that promotes the well-being of both mother and child, underscoring its importance in maternal and child health.”

Prof. Arun Bansal, Additional Medical Superintendent, Advanced Pediatric Center, PGIMER highlighted the initiatives undertaken in the Advanced Paediatric Centre to promote breastfeeding, stating, “Our goal is to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers, offering them the knowledge and resources they need. Breastfeeding is a beautiful bond between mother and child, and we are here to celebrate and nurture it.”

The highlight of the inaugural session was an emotional and engaging skit by students of the National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), addressing the prevalent myths and misconceptions pertaining to breastfeeding.

Earlier in the day, a recipe competition was held in Department of Dietetics for nutrition students to mark World Breastfeeding Week, which saw an overwhelming response.

ROTTO North also organized an awareness stall alongside the workshop, generating a good response from participants, many of whom pledged for organ donation.

The workshop included expert talks, interactive sessions, pamphlet distribution having educative literature about benefits of breast feeding along with nutritious recipes for lactating mothers and hands-on demonstrations, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for all participants.