Aster CMI conducts awareness workshop on breastfeeding among new mothers

Initially, a problem of western countries, the dependence of Indian mothers on baby food items are increasing in metros and so-called modern society due to changing lifestyle and working conditions. The commercialisation of baby foods and artificial milk is also responsible for lack of breast-feeding and dependence of lactating mothers on artificial or ready-made baby foods. 

In an effort to encourage breast-feeding among new and future mothers in Bangalore, Aster CMI Hospital on Wednesday conducted an hour-long poster presentation on the benefits of breast-feeding, at its premise which was attended by more than 50 people. The session also involved educational talks by a team of gynaecologists and neonatologists, focusing on the need for mothers to exclusively breastfeed their children, the typical challenges faced by new mothers today for breastfeeding and the ways to overcome these challenges. 

“Every single baby should be breast-fed unless there are dire circumstances which do not allow a mother to breast-feed her child. Breast-feeding has incomparable benefits for the baby’s health, and we advise all new mothers not to fall for any misguided advice and to trust their instincts when it comes to feeding their child. Breast-fed babies tend to develop higher IQs are less prone to developing asthma, allergies and weight disorders such as obesity,” said Dr Parimala V. Thirumalesh, Consultant, Neonatology and Paediatrics, Aster CMI Hospital. The theme of the session was – ‘Empower Parents and Encourage Breastfeeding’ as directed by WHO. Posters created by the team of nurses from NICU and LDRP team, depicting motivational messages, the importance of breast-feeding techniques such as latching and the importance of breastmilk in setting the base for a child’s long-term immunity and health were created and shared with the audience.

As a part of the session, the doctor discussed the different techniques a mother can adopt to breast-feed her child as well as share tips for mothers to breast-feed their babies in tricky or public situations such as during a mall trip. Mothers of babies who were admitted in the NICU were also present to discuss their challenges with breastfeeding. In the event, the mothers were also made aware of various comfortable positions for breast-feeding.