Pune: KEM Hospital commemorated World Breastfeeding Week with an array of engaging activities aimed at new mothers, healthcare professionals, and hospital staff.
The event, held during the first week of August, is themed "Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All" for 2024. The hospital also organized awareness programs and interactive sessions designed for new mothers, along with a special recognition event for milk donors.
A notable highlight was a card-making competition for employees, where cards themed around the joy and beauty of breastfeeding were created and planned for distribution to mothers.
The week’s events concluded with a nursing training program, emphasizing the crucial role nurses play as the first point of contact for new mothers, particularly in managing the diet and care of both mother and baby. These initiatives collectively aimed to bolster awareness and education among staff and new parents.
Experts at KEM Hospital underscored the extensive benefits of breastfeeding, which go beyond basic nutritional needs.
Dr. Umesh Vaidya, Head of NICU and Consultant Neonatology at KEM Hospital, emphasized that integrating breastfeeding into health strategies supports not only immediate nutritional requirements but also establishes a foundation for lifelong health and cognitive development.
He highlighted how breastfeeding contributes to brain development through essential nutrients and bioactive components like long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and leptin, which enhance cognitive function and IQ.
The benefits of breastfeeding extend to metabolic health and allergy prevention, offering significant protective advantages.
Dr. Janvi Shah, a lactation consultant at KEM Hospital, stressed that recognizing and promoting breastfeeding practices is vital for improving public health and ensuring a healthier future for upcoming generations.
Dr. Rani Balgude, also a lactation consultant, noted that these benefits support not only infants’ immediate health but also their long-term well-being.
Dr. Vaidya further highlighted KEM Hospital’s commitment to maternal and infant care through its advanced facilities, including a lactation clinic established last year, a milk bank central to neonatal care, and a state-of-the-art NICU supported by expert staff and high safety standards.