PUNE: KEM Hospital, Pune celebrated World Breastfeeding Week with various activities for new mothers, doctors, and staff members.
World Breastfeeding Week is held in the first week of August every year. The theme for 2024 is Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.
The week-long activities included a Quiz for pediatrics, gynecologists neonatologists, and department members, an awareness program and fun activities for new mothers, and felicitation of milk donors. The activities also included card card-making competition for employees, the cards were prepared on the theme of the joy and beauty of breastfeeding and will be given to mothers. The activities culminated with a nursing training program which is the first point of contact with new mothers and is closely associated with the diet of mother and baby. All the activities helped enhance awareness amongst the staff members as well as new mothers.
Breastfeeding offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond its fundamental role in providing optimal nutrition- Experts
Breastfeeding offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond its fundamental role in providing optimal nutrition opined experts. Dr Umesh Vaidya, HOD- NICU and consultant neonatology, KEM Hospital Pune said that KEM Hospital, Pune Incorporating breastfeeding into health and wellness strategies not only supports immediate nutritional needs but also lays a foundation for lifelong health and cognitive advancement.
While the widely recognized advantages include supporting infant growth, boosting immunity, and fostering maternal recovery, breastfeeding’s impact on less apparent areas such as metabolic health, cognitive development, and allergy prevention is equally profound.
Among these less commonly known benefits, breastfeeding plays a crucial role in brain development. The essential nutrients and bioactive components in breast milk, such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and leptin, significantly contribute to cognitive function and higher IQ scores. Additionally, breastfeeding supports the development of a healthy gut microbiota, which further enhances brain health and cognitive outcomes.
The impact of breastfeeding on reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and allergies, alongside its crucial role in brain development, underscores its extensive protective and developmental advantages.
Dr Janvi Shah, Lactation consultant, KEM Hospital, Pune said that as we recognize and celebrate the diverse benefits of breastfeeding, it becomes clear that supporting and promoting breastfeeding practices is essential for enhancing overall public health and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.
Dr Rani Balgude, Lactation consultant, KEM Hospital, Pune said that These benefits contribute not only to a healthier start for infants but also to long-term well-being for both mothers and children.
Dr Umesh Vaidya added that KEM Hospital, Pune has a robust and advanced infrastructure for the care of new babies and mothers including a lactation clinic which was launched last year, a milk bank that is a cornerstone of our neonatal care, providing critical support to vulnerable infants with the highest standards of safety and quality and a state-of-the-art NICU backed by experts and trained staff.
