In a bid to spread awareness on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week from 1st – 7th August 2016, Apollo Hospitals have decided to take a close step towards motherhood and would be conducting a session on “Breastfeeding: A Key to Sustainable Development” on 6thAugust 2016 at 11 am, at their Navi Mumbai premises.
Speaking about the benefits of Breast feeding, Dr. Vijay Yewale, HOD, Paediatrics, Apollo Hospitals said “Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies. Further, breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ scores in later childhood in some studies, besides; human milk contains enzymes, hormones, and Immunoglobulin that simply can’t be duplicated in formula.”
“Breast milk is the best nutrition for a baby and its benefits extend well beyond basic nutrition. Right from Colostrum – a yellowish, viscous form of mother’s milk secreted for initial 4-5 days, to mature milk that is secreted for rest of the period; breast milk takes care of nutritional requirements of baby at all stages of development. Exclusive breastfeeding for first six months of life is strongly recommended for a range of benefits to both mother and child” said Pooja Lakhani, Dietitian, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. Numerous studies from around the world have shown that stomach viruses, lower respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and meningitis occur less often in breastfed babies and are less severe when they do happen. Mother’s breast milk is specifically tailored to one’s baby. Mother’s body responds to pathogens (virus and bacteria) that are in her body and makes secretory IgA that’s specific to those pathogens, creating protection for the baby based on whatever the mother is exposed to.
“Besides the innumerable benefits to the baby, breastfeeding also has several benefits to mother. Protection from breast and ovarian cancer, faster reduction of weight post delivery, and contraceptive benefit to highlight a few. The golden hour of initiation of breastfeeding makes an inseparable bond between mother and child.” said Dr. Veena Aurangabadwalla, Junior Consultant, Obstetrician, Apollo Hospitals.
According to statistics in India, only 41% mothers initiate early breastfeeding. Lack of information and substituting breast milk with baby food products are the leading reasons for low breastfeeding rates in the country. In India, we lose 16.5 lakh children every year due to easily preventable diseases. Early initiation of breastfeeding alone can save the lives of 13% of babies. Under nutrition contributes to nearly one third of child deaths in India. Breastfeeding is one of the single most effective nutrition interventions for saving lives.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months can prevent malnutrition in children. But the rate is strikingly low across the country. In the national capital, Delhi, only 12.8 percent (DLHS3) women exclusively breastfed their children. This is the second lowest in the country after Harayana (9.4).
The speakers for the session would be Dr. Veena Aurgangabadwalla – Gynecologist, who would be speaking on Preparation for Healthy Lactation, Dr. Abhijit Bagde – Paediatrician on Breast Milk – Nectar for a Healthy Future and Ms. Pooja Lakhani – Dietician on A tummy full of Mummy’s love. The hospital plans to give inaugural benefit coupons with savings worth Rs. 15000/-, complimentary snacks, Gift hamper and Breastfeeding handout to all participants. To register, please call 022 3350 3100 / 3350 3350. Spot Registration is Rs. 249/- only. You can also pay online – http://pay.apollohospitals.com .
