World Breastfeeding Week: GSVM Medical College Holds Awareness Program

Kanpur: In observance of World Breastfeeding Week, GSVM Medical College's Jachcha Bachcha Hospital, in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of Community Medicine, organized a health awareness program. The primary goal of the event was to educate and empower new mothers and their families about the crucial benefits and proper techniques of breastfeeding.

The program was inaugurated by Principal Prof. Dr. Sanjay Kala, Vice-Principal Dr. Richa Giri, Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Dr. Renu Gupta, and Dr. Tanu Midha from the Department of Community Medicine. The session featured an interactive Q&A format, allowing mothers and their families to ask questions and receive clear, expert-backed information on all aspects of breastfeeding.

Adhering to the guidelines of the National Infant and Young Child Feeding Program, attendees were informed that breastfeeding not only boosts a baby’s immunity but also strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child. Dr. Tanu Midha opened the session by emphasizing the importance of initiating breastfeeding immediately after birth and continuing with exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of the baby's life.

Following this, Dr. Renu Gupta, Head of the Department, shed light on the correct breastfeeding techniques and offered practical solutions for common problems mothers may encounter. A highlight of the event was a demonstration by Dr. Ashwani Kumar Seth, Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Medicine, who showed mothers the proper latching position. His practical demonstration provided valuable, hands-on knowledge. Dr. Saumya Gupta, Dr. Firdaus Fatima, and Dr. Ambika Singh were also on hand to address and resolve the mothers’ specific queries.

The event saw the participation of numerous senior medical professionals, including CMAS Dr. Anita Gautam, former Head of Department Dr. Neena Gupta, Senior Doctor and Media In-charge Dr. Seema Dwivedi, Dr. Shelly Agarwal, Dr. Divya Dwivedi, Dr. Pratima Verma, Dr. Pavika Lal, Dr. Shruti Gupta, Dr. Preeti Singh, and Dr. Farheen. Senior Resident Dr. Divyang Pandey and other junior residents also played an active role.

The program concluded with a practical demonstration of correct breastfeeding techniques, giving mothers the confidence to successfully breastfeed their infants. To show encouragement and support, baby suits were distributed to all participating mothers. This event was a significant step toward empowering mothers and promoting better infant health outcomes in the community.