Mysore/Mysuru: In a bid to create public awareness about importance of breastfeeding to infants as part of World Breastfeeding Week, Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Mysore District Branch and Mysore Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society (MOGS) have jointly organised awareness programmes from Aug. 1 to Aug. 8 across district.

Disclosing this at a press meet held at Pathrakartara Bhavan here yesterday, Gynaecologist and Obstetrician Dr. Roopa Prakash said that breastfeeding plays a major role in keeping the children physically and mentally fit. “It is the duty of every mother to nurture their child. Breastfeeding Week is celebrated with the aim to inform, anchor, engage and motivate action on breastfeeding and child care to the next generation people. Many people have false ideologies with respect to breastfeeding. The most important aspect for a child’s growth is breastfeeding. Child care begins from this.”

“This year’s programme will be carried out with the theme ‘Tayiya haalu amruta’ (Mother’s milk is nectar). Breastfeeding must begin within thirty minutes of the baby’s birth. For the first six months after child birth, it must be only fed with breast milk and avoid honey, grapes, water etc. Breastfeeding must continue until the child is two years old,” she said.

World Breastfeeding Week will be inaugurated tomorrow (Aug. 1) at 10.30 am at Cheluvamba Hospital. District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. K.H. Prasad will be the chief guest. Awareness programmes will be held at the following hospitals on different days: Kamakshi Hospital, Saraswathipuram on Aug. 2, T. Narasipur Government Hospital on Aug. 3, Government Hospital, Jayanagar and Seth Mohandas Tulsidas Maternity Hospital in Lakshmipuram on Aug. 4, Mission Hospital at Mandi Mohalla on Aug. 5 and Kangaroo Care Hospital at Vijayanagar on Aug. 6. The valedictory programme will be held at JSS Hospital on Aug. 8 at 2.30 pm, she informed.

Dr. N. Pradeep, Dr. Nandeesh & Dr. Pushpalatha were present.