WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK 2024
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 5: National Health Mission (NHM) Director Ramkumar S lamented that the trend of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers is not prevalent in Meghalaya. The statement came from the NHM Director as the World Breastfeeding Week is currently being observed across the globe.
Exclusive breastfeeding implies that the infant receives only breast milk.
Ramkumar said this is not only the case with Meghalaya but many other states as well.
He pointed out that mothers, sometimes, feed the babies other things which should not be done during the first six months.
Lack of exclusive breastfeeding within the first six months results in infants often losing weight and can even lead to cases of stunting, the NHM Director said.
He also stated that at the time of birth, most children seem to have normal weight — about 2-3 kg. However, in the first six months, they tend to lose weight.
“We made analysis of data from each district and observed. One of the main reasons (behind health issues of infants) is that there is not enough exclusive breastfeeding,” said Ramkumar.
He emphasised that even educated parents are oblivious to the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for six months.
Stating that the Health department has taken the initiative of spreading awareness about this issue in view of the observance of the World Breastfeeding Week, Ramkumar further explained that mothers should understand that feeding sugar water, tea or water to the baby should be avoided. “Water should be avoided completely. Only mother’s milk must be fed. It is proven again and again that exclusive breastfeeding is very important in terms of children gaining weight and in helping them develop their immunity. Studies have shown how important it is to have exclusive breastfeeding,” stressed Ramkumar.
As part of the awareness initiative, the Health department is reaching out to the village health councils across the districts in the state to ensure that the habit of exclusive breastfeeding gains momentum.
During a recent training programme with CDPs and with nursing tutors on different methods of exclusive breastfeeding, it was noticed that there are more than 40-50 methods of exclusive breastfeeding.
Ramkumar emphasised on a method called ‘Kangaroo care’, wherein skin-to-skin contact between the child and the mother or father for a particular number of hours in a day can replenish the child’s growth and even help it gain weight.
Asked if the department can start this awareness from hospitals by handing out pamphlets to mothers of newborn, the NHM Director replied in the affirmative stating that they already have a Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card, which furnishes details on the subject in local languages.
He, however, also pointed out that after six months, supplementary food should be provided to the baby as by then, they would have started to crawl and walk. After six months, breastfeeding alone will not be sufficient for the child, Ramkumar said, adding that they will need solid food among others to help them gain weight and grow.