Mysuru: Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Mysuru branch in association with Mysore Medical College and Research institute, Mysuru, JSS Medical College and Innerwheel Club of Mysuru Central will be celebrating weeklong World Breastfeeding Week at different hospitals across the city from August 1 to 7. While an average of 57 per cent of women breastfeed their babies in the country, more than 70 per cent of women breastfeed their babies in Karnataka.
Dr Rajendra Kumar, Secretary of Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Mysuru branch said, “Over the years, breastfeeding among women has increased. Two decades back, breastfeeding among women was just 35 to 40 per cent, but now it has gone up to 56 per cent which is really a good sign. Our goal is to make it 100 percent in years to come so that children will be healthy. Within one hour after the baby is born, breast feeding should be started and it should continue at least for six months. After six months, apart from breast feeding they should also provide complimentary feeds till two years. If a baby is not breastfed properly, the baby will suffer from various health hazards including malnutrition and pneumonia”.
The theme for world breastfeeding week this year is, ‘Breastfeeding: A key to sustainable development’.
Dr Sudha Rudrappa, President of Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Mysuru branch said, “Children with proper breastfeeding will have a good IQ level than that of who are depended on bottle feeding. Hence, mothers should not neglect breastfeeding”. She also mentioned that by breastfeeding, complexion of women will not change.
The weeklong breastfeeding program will be inaugurated at JSS Medical College hospital on August 1 at 2.30pm. Mahesh, Commissioner, Mysuru Urban Development Authority will inaugurate the event.
Dr S Prashanth, Treasurer of branch was present.
Breastfeeding awareness program schedule
On August 2 at SMT hospital, Aug 3 at Urban Health Centre in Jayanagar, Aug 4 at Urban Health Centre in VV Puram, Aug 5 at JSS Urban Health Centre in Thilaknagar, Aug 6 at CSI Mission Hospital and Aug 7 at Cheluvamba Hospital. The entire awareness program at respective centres will start at 11am.
