Additionally, the hospital held an interactive session with experts on breastfeeding to highlight its importance, aiming to educate new and expectant mothers, as well as their families, on balancing work and breastfeeding.
Seethapathy Hospital also introduced the Mother’s Support Club today, which is dedicated to supporting mothers from their child’s birth up to the child’s second year. This club will offer support to new mothers regarding breast feeding, assist in recognizing feeding cues and provide tips on weaning going forward.
Breastfeeding reduces the burden of childhood illness and the risk of certain types of cancers and noncommunicable diseases for mothers. When mothers receive the support, they need to breastfeed their babies, everyone benefits. Improving breastfeeding rates could save over 820,000 children’s lives each year, according to the latest available data.
In her comments, Dr Uma Ram, Senior Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Director Seethapathy Hospital said, “Some studies from India shows 20-25% skin to skin in the first hour after birth. Globally 6/10 babies are not put to the breast within the first hour. With a commitment from the health care facility and motivated staff along with antenatal preparation of the mothers through breastfeeding classes at Seethapathy hospital we have been able to achieve 85% skin to skin, 60% baby to breast within the first hour and 70% exclusive breast feeding at 6 months.”
In her comments, Mrs Rekha Sudarsan, Childbirth Educator and Lactation Consultant, Seethapathy Hospital said, “The first hour after birth is important for the mother and baby. The time soon after the delivery of the baby is when many physiological changes happen in the mother. Careful observation at this period is needed to pick up potential problems. The first hour is also very significant for the baby and called the golden hour. At this time, initiating skin to skin contact and breast feeding is crucial as it imparts many advantages to the baby.”
“Exclusive breast feeding is also important. Some women will have difficulty in feeding or may not be able to feed due to medications they are on. Others can develop mastitis or breast abcess. These women need additional support as they can continue to bond effectively and need not feel guilty because they have good reasons to introduce alternative feeds to the baby” added Mrs Rekha Sudarsan.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7, raising awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and providing support to mothers. The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2024 is “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.” This year’s focus is on celebrating the diversity of breastfeeding mothers throughout their breastfeeding journeys. The campaign aims to showcase how families, societies, communities, and health workers can support every breastfeeding mother, regardless of their circumstances.