Breastfeeding Awareness Program Held at Chabutra on World Breastfeeding Week

Hamirpur, August 1: As part of World Breastfeeding Week, a district-level awareness event was organized by the Health Department at Anganwadi Centre, Chabutra under Primary Health Centre Chabutra, following the directions of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Praveen Chaudhary.

Public Education and Information Officer Birbal Verma addressed the participants, highlighting the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of an infant’s life. He said breast milk is vital for the physical and intellectual development of the child and strengthens immunity, protecting against diarrhea, pneumonia, obesity, and diabetes.

Verma also emphasized that breastfeeding benefits mothers as well by reducing the risk of postpartum depression, breast and ovarian cancer, and heart diseases. It triggers oxytocin release, helping the uterus contract post-delivery.

He advised initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and feeding only breast milk for six months—without even water. Complementary feeding should be started after six months along with continued breastfeeding.