The District Health Society, Mon, observed World Breastfeeding Week to raise awareness on exclusive breastfeeding.
DIMAPUR — The District Health Society (DHS), Mon, observed World Breastfeeding Week across all blocks of the district from August 1 to the 7th on the theme "Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: Strengthen what works".
The week-long campaign was implemented through the efforts of ASHAs and other healthcare workers, with the objective of promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving awareness on optimal infant and young child feeding practices.
According to an update, the programme was particularly significant for Mon district, where many remote villages continue to have limited awareness regarding the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Various misconceptions and traditional practices still persist, including the early introduction of soups, semi-solid foods, and water to newborns before six months of age.
In some communities, mothers begin feeding solid foods as early as the third or fourth month due to the necessity of returning to agricultural work, unaware of the health risks associated with early complementary feeding.
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To address these challenges, ASHAs conducted door-to-door awareness campaigns in villages throughout the district. During household visits, they educated mothers, fathers, grandparents, and other family members on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, highlighting that breast milk alone provides complete nutrition and hydration for infants.
They also highlighted the importance of initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth, continuing breastfeeding up to two years and beyond along with appropriate complementary feeding, and correcting harmful myths surrounding infant feeding practices. Special focus was placed on involving elderly family members, who often influence traditional childcare practices, to ensure sustained behavioural change within households.
As part of the district-level observance, a Focused Group Discussion (FGD) was organised on August 4 at District Hospital, Mon, for mothers admitted for delivery and their attendants.
The session was led by District Programme Officer (RCH & UIP) Dr. Wungyong Konyak and Paediatrician at District Hospital Mon Dr. Chimang Paul.
The resource persons provided detailed counselling on the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, proper breastfeeding techniques, maternal nutrition, and the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child.
The programme was further strengthened by the participation of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) team from the Department of Social Welfare, who distributed nutritional gift packages to the newly delivered mothers as a gesture of encouragement and support.