- Over 200 healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, along with members of the public, took part in the event.
- This year’s theme focuses on strengthening the existing support system for new mothers.
In observance of World Breastfeeding Week, Rela Hospital, Chennai, organised a three-kilometre walkathon from its hospital premises at Chrompet. Over 200 healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, took part in the event along with members of the public. The walkathon was flagged off by Dr Naresh Shanmugam, Director of Women and Child Health, Rela Hospital.
World Breastfeeding Week has been observed annually between August 1 and 7 across the globe to create awareness among the public about the importance of breastfeeding for infants. This year’s theme is ‘Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen That Works’, focusing on tracking progress, evaluating impact, and scaling proven approaches that improve breastfeeding outcomes.
This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) calls on everyone, including governments, communities, and families, to build on successful experiences and strengthen the chain of support for breastfeeding.
Research says that breast milk is a biologically active fluid that changes over time to meet the requirements of an infant. It contains the right balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, easily digestible proteins, and vitamins and minerals. Over the feeding period, breast milk changes in composition from colostrum, which is rich in antibodies and protein, to transitional milk and then to mature milk.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), about 63.7% of infants under the age of six months are exclusively breastfed, and only 41.8% are breastfed within the first hour of life, calling for greater awareness among new mothers and their family members.
Dr Naresh Shanmugam stated: “Breastfeeding provides complete nutrition to infants. It strengthens immunity, supports brain and gut development, and lays the foundation for lifelong well-being. It also offers significant health benefits to new mothers by supporting both physical recovery and emotional bonding. Despite its numerous benefits, public awareness regarding breastfeeding continues to remain low.”
“As we observe World Breastfeeding Week, let us reaffirm our responsibility to create supportive environments for every mother who chooses to breastfeed. They deserve every possible bit of encouragement, knowledge, and care,” he added.
