Mysuru:  “There is no alternative to breast milk which is the most nutritious infant food,” asserted K. Padma, Deputy Director, Department of Women and Child Welfare.

Speaking at the valedictory of the World Breast-feeding Week organised by Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Mysuru District Unit, at the Platinum Jubilee Hall at J.K. Grounds here on Wednesday. Padma said that breast-feeding would improve the health of mothers also. 

She suggested that the awareness on breast-feeding should not be restricted to one day in a year but should be every day and added that Doctors, Anganwadi Activists and ASHA workers were continuously engaged in educating people on importance of breast milk.

Cheluvamba Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Pramila allayed fears among women that breast milk should not be fed to babies on the day of birth and asserted that the milk can be fed half-an-hour after child’s birth. 

She contended that about 50% of the mothers are unable to breastfeed their infants owing to stressful routine.

MMC&RI Dean and Director Dr. C.P. Nanjaraj, Head of Paediatrics Dr. Sudha Rudrappa, MMC&RI Principal Dr. K.R. Dakshayini, IAP Mysuru District President Dr. Rajeshwari Madappa and others were present on the occasion.