Shillong, Aug 5: Supercare Hospital observed World Breastfeeding Day with a special program aimed at raising awareness about the importance of breastfeeding for both mother and child.
The program served as an open platform to clarify common misconceptions and reinforce key messages, including the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and the value of colostrum, which is produced for the first few days after birth.
Special emphasis was also placed on supporting working mothers, with practical guidance on expressed breast milk, its safe storage, and how mothers can continue to provide optimal nutrition for their babies even while balancing professional responsibilities.
Managing Director Dr. R.S. Thangkhiew in his keynote address highlighted that while breastfeeding awareness was once a topic left in the shadows, it has now become a critical conversation and a need of the hour. He praised initiatives that help bring this subject to the forefront of public attention.
A Breastfeeding Information Booklet—the first visual and comprehensive guide of its kind for breastfeeding mothers in the state was also launched on the occasion.
The booklet, which was compiled by Dr. Anamika Mall, Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist, is designed to bridge the gap between myths and facts surrounding breastfeeding. Available in both English and Khasi, this bilingual resource aims to empower mothers, families, and healthcare professionals with evidence-based guidance on breastfeeding practices.
The event also marked a collaborative tie-up with the Nurses Initiative for Community Empowerment (NICE) and the Association of Nurse Executives India (ANEI), aligning with the broader mission of promoting community health and advancing nursing leadership.
Meanwhile, the office of the District Medical & Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills District observed World Breastfeeding Week and World Population Day 2025 at a programme held at the Conference Hall of Khliehriat Civil Hospital.
The event, themed “Invest in Breastfeeding, Invest in the future” and “Healthy Timing & Spacing Between Pregnancies for Planned Parenthood,” respectively, aimed to promote the importance of breastfeeding and family planning.
DMHO Dr. D Shylla emphasised the significance of breastfeeding in providing health benefits to children and reducing childhood illnesses. He urged ASHAs to encourage community members to breastfeed children up to one year of age.
Medical & Health Officer (Paediatrician) Dr. H. R.M Lamare highlighted the health benefits of early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth. He also emphasized the importance of sensitizing community members on the need for breastfeeding.
Community Health Officer R. Dhar spoke on the observation of World Population Day, underscoring the importance of family planning and reproductive health.
The programme included a pledge by healthcare staff and dignitaries to support breastfeeding for all mothers attending maternity services in hospitals.
Later in the day, an awareness programme on World Hepatitis Day 2025 was organized by the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, National Health Mission (NHM), East Jaintia Hills District.
