Mohali:
Under the leadership of Civil Surgeon Dr Sangeeta Jain, World Breastfeeding Week is being observed across all government health institutions in the district from August 1 to 7.
The campaign aims to create awareness among mothers, families and the community about the importance of breastfeeding and its role in improving newborn health.
Dr Sangeeta Jain said breast milk is the most complete and nutritious food for newborns. She advised mothers to start breastfeeding within one hour of birth and provide only breast milk to babies for the first six months. After six months, breastfeeding should continue along with complementary food for up to two years or more.
She highlighted that breastfeeding strengthens a child’s immunity, supports physical and mental development and protects against several diseases. It also helps mothers recover after childbirth and improves maternal health.
During the week-long programme, awareness activities, counselling sessions, health education programmes and interactions with pregnant women and new mothers will be organised at District Hospitals, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres, Ayushman Arogya Kendras and Aam Aadmi Clinics.
Health Department teams will also educate people about the benefits of breastfeeding and work to remove misconceptions related to it.
