Surat Seminar Emphasizes Importance of Breastfeeding During World Breastfeeding Week

Surat: World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from August 1 to 7, continues to shine a light on the vital importance of breastfeeding. In a seminar at Param Doctor House, Surat, healthcare professionals Dr. Prashant Karia and Dr. Palak Jariwala addressed mothers, debunking common misconceptions and emphasizing the immense benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers.

Dr. Prashant Karia and Dr. Palak Jariwala underscored the critical importance of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. The first milk, known as colostrum, is exceptionally nutritious and offers vital immunity to newborns. Despite its benefits, only 42% of infants in India receive breastfeeding within the first hour of life.

Breast milk plays a crucial role in protecting babies from infections, boosting their immunity, and aiding in brain development. For mothers, breastfeeding not only reduces the risk of breast and uterine cancers but also helps in postpartum weight loss, quickens uterine recovery, and acts as a natural contraceptive.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding in the first hour of birth is vital, yet many children in India are still deprived of this essential nutrition.

7 Golden Rules of Breastfeeding:

1. Begin breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.
2. Exclusively breastfeed for the first six months.
3. Start complementary feeding from the seventh month.
4. Avoid giving animal milk before one year of age.
5. Maintain a balanced diet.
6. Ensure sufficient sleep.
7. Consult a doctor if any issues arise.

Experts at the seminar urged mothers to maintain a positive attitude toward breastfeeding and to seek medical advice if they encounter any challenges. The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond the mother and child, reducing infant mortality rates, lowering healthcare costs, and contributing to national development.