The Departments of Paediatrics and Community Medicine at Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, Srinagar, on Thursday observed World Breastfeeding Week by organising an awareness programme to promote breastfeeding and educate mothers on its vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of both infants and mothers.
The event was attended by Managing Director KMCH, Tausif Ahmad; Executive Director Insha Qazi; Principal Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Khan; Medical Superintendent Dr. Syed Mubashir; Head of the Department of Paediatrics Dr. Qazi Iqbal; heads of various departments, faculty members, doctors, nursing staff, and students.
Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director KMCH, Tausif Ahmad, said that greater awareness needs to be created among mothers about the importance of breastfeeding, as many are still reluctant to breastfeed their babies.
He stressed the need to reach out to communities and encourage mothers to adopt breastfeeding by highlighting its numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers.
He noted that reluctance towards breastfeeding is particularly noticeable in some urban areas, underscoring the need for sustained awareness campaigns to promote and support the practice.
Head of the Department of Paediatrics, Dr. Qazi Iqbal, highlighted that mothers should initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusively breastfeed infants for the first six months of life, and continue breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.
He said that breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for newborns, providing all the essential nutrients required for healthy growth and development while protecting babies against infections, allergies, and several childhood illnesses. “Breast milk is a baby’s first vaccine and the purest expression of a mother’s love,” he said.
The doctors also emphasised that exclusive breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of malnutrition, diarrhoeal diseases, respiratory infections, and other common childhood illnesses.
They noted that breastfeeding not only strengthens a child’s immune system but also contributes to improved cognitive development and long-term health outcomes.
The experts highlighted that breastfeeding offers important health benefits to mothers as well. It helps in faster recovery after childbirth, reduces the risk of postpartum bleeding, and lowers the chances of developing breast and ovarian cancers.
They urged families and communities to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers, stating that awareness and family support play a crucial role in ensuring successful breastfeeding practices.
A special presentation was also delivered during the programme, focusing on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, its scientific benefits, and the World Breastfeeding Week theme. The presentation encouraged mothers to adopt exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continue breastfeeding with appropriate complementary feeding thereafter.
The programme concluded with an interactive session, where participants discussed strategies to improve breastfeeding awareness, address common myths, and strengthen community support for mothers, reaffirming KMCH’s commitment to promoting maternal and child health through education and preventive healthcare initiatives.
