On The Occasion of World Breastfeeding Week

“Breastfeeding is not an Option but a Responsibility”

Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road put a step up to spread awareness about Breastfeeding

Mumbai: Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road under “Mama Care” Initiative celebrated World Breastfeeding Week by organizing 2 programs wherein around 150 nurses and around 70 parents from Malad, Goregaon, Virar and vicinity participated.  The programs were conducted by Dr Nitu Mundhra, Consultant Neonatologist and Lactation expert. Present on the occasion was Dr. Rajashri Bhasale Tayshete, Dr. Mangala Patil, Dr. Badshah Khan, Dr. Ankit Gupta and Dr. Vishal Parmar – The Team for Mother & Child Care at the Hospital.

Breastmilk is complete nutrition for the baby. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months as breastfed babies remain at lower risk of various diseases, infections, diarrhea, allergies, etc.  To help new mothers understand the importance of breastfeeding, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road took this initiative.

Dr. Nitu Mundhra, Consultant Neonatologist and Lactation expert, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road said, “Breastfeeding is not only a blessing for babies, but it’s a boon for mothers and a gift for Mother Earth. Breastfeeding is natural and ecological. To promote breastfeeding, we conducted an education program for nurses and a support program for new mothers. Around 150 nurses from hospitals across Malad, Goregaon, Virar, Borivali, Dahisar, Mira Road and Bhayander were trained for breastfeeding. Nurses are the first point of contact for mothers when they wish to clear any of their doubts regarding breastfeeding. They help the mothers to solve problems regarding breastfeeding. The aim was to educate the nurses who are the backbone of the healthcare system. The theme for this year’s world breastfeeding week is Step up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support. Practical demonstrations of Breastfeeding for nurses were done during the program. A breastfeeding workshop was conducted for working women. Everyone was made to understand the importance of breastfeeding through role play and drama. Also, gynecologists and pediatricians were present at the event. There was a panel discussion regarding breastfeeding. The nurses participated in the poster and quiz competition. The parents participated in various fun-filled activities with great enthusiasm.  The nurses were given certificates of participation at the end of the training.”

Dr. Pankaj Dhamija, Center Head of Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road said, “Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. It can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby. Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. This event is a huge step taken by the Hospital to educate women regarding the benefits of breastfeeding. We witnessed the massive participation of new mothers, their family members, and nurses along with the doctors.  We aim to dispel the myths regarding breastfeeding by encouraging new mothers to do it without fail.”