Mysuru: Marking World Breast-Feeding Week, the Department of Women and Child Welfare had organised a function at Cheluvamba Hospital premises here yesterday to create awareness among people on importance of breast milk.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Director, Department of Women and Child Welfare, K. Radha opined that breast milk would prevent respiratory and other problems in infants.

She asked women to come out of superstitious and misconceptions about breast milk. She added that the Matru Poorna Scheme of the State Government was also helping expectant mothers. She said that the Central Government too was offering Rs.5,000 as financial assistance for women during first pregnancy.

KSOU Assistant Professor  Dr. C. Anitha spoke on the importance of breast milk. Nutritionist Nandini Murthy and Nutrition Counsellor Dr. Sushma Appaiah also spoke.

Indian Dietetic Association Mysore Unit President Asna Urooj and others were present.

At Cauvery auditorium

Another function was organised marking the occasion by Indian Association of Paediatricians (IAP), Mysuru Unit and Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI) at Cauvery auditorium in Cheluvamba Hospital here yesterday.

Inaugurating the programme, Rangayana Director Bhagirathi Bai Kadam said that breast milk was not just good for the health of babies but also strengthens the bonding of infant and mother.

She observed that many women in urban areas discontinue breast-feeding their babies after three months fearing that it would hamper their beauty. She sought more awareness camps to remove that misconception from women.

DHO Dr. B. Basavaraj, IAP Mysuru Unit President Dr. M.R. Savita, MMC&RI Dean and Director Dr. C.P. Nanjaraj, Principal Dr. K.R. Dakashayini, Cheluvamba Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Radhamani and others were present.

Medical College students presented a short play on importance of breast milk.