KIPHIRE — District Hospital Kiphire (DHK) on Friday observed World Breastfeeding Week with focus on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and its numerous benefits for infants and mothers.
Dr. Thritingla Sangtam, senior specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, highlighted to the gathering the importance of EBF, which involves feeding a baby only breast milk for the first six months of life.
According to Dr. Sangtam, EBF is widely recognised by healthcare professionals and organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), as the gold standard for infant nutrition.
“Breast milk provides the perfect mix of nutrients for growth and development and contains antibodies that protect babies from infections and diseases,” she said.
EBF also fosters a deep sense of connection and closeness between mother and child, promoting emotional and psychological development. Additionally, it offers advantages for mothers including uterus shrinkage, reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer and weight loss after childbirth, the specialist informed.
She added that despite the benefits, many mothers face challenges in practicing EBF such as latching issues, low milk supply, engorgement and returning to work. She stated that with the right support and guidance, those challenges could be overcome.
EAC of Kiphire, Kudazo Swuro, emphasised the importance of breastfeeding, citing surveys that show 3.2 billion out of 7.2 billion people are not breastfed. He encouraged mothers to prioritise breastfeeding, highlighting its critical role in giving life and nourishment to their children.
The event also witnessed distribution of gift hampers to participating mothers.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Dheni Sangtam, epidemiologist at the CMO office in Kiphire, while invocation prayer was said by Holika K Swu, assistant women pastor of SBAK, Nito Mount.
Dr. Yelo T Mero, DPO (UIP/RCH), delivered the welcome address and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Jully Sumi, BPM.