Strong Start to a Healthy Life with Mother's Milk, Statewide Launch of World Breastfeeding Week

Mother's milk provides a strong start to a healthy life, and the World Breastfeeding Week has begun across the state. Emphasis is placed on breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and exclusively feeding the baby mother's milk for the first six months, with awareness activities continuing in health institutions. Raipur, With the aim that every newborn gets a healthy and safe start to life, the World Breastfeeding Week has started across the state. The health department is organizing various awareness activities throughout the week in hospitals, community and primary health centers, health and welfare centers, and at the community level. Through the campaign, mothers, pregnant women and their families are being informed about the importance of breastfeeding and its scientific benefits. Health experts say that initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and exclusively feeding the baby mother's milk for the first six months is the strongest foundation for its healthy development. The mother's first thick yellow milk (colostrum) acts as a natural protective shield for the infant. It plays a crucial role in protecting against infection, boosting immunity and reducing the risk of malnutrition. After six months of exclusive breastfeeding, it is advised to continue breastfeeding along with age-appropriate complementary foods up to two years or more. Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the infant but also extremely advantageous for the mother's health. It helps the mother recover quickly after delivery, reduces the risk of several serious diseases, and strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child. During World Breastfeeding Week, health institutions are providing counseling for pregnant and lactating mothers, group discussions, health education sessions, Q&A programs and practical guidance on breastfeeding. Doctors, staff nurses, ANMs, midwives, Anganwadi workers and other health workers are informing mothers about correct breastfeeding techniques, newborn care and scientific solutions to common breastfeeding misconceptions. Consider breastfeeding not just a mother's responsibility but a shared responsibility of the whole family. Family support, a positive environment and correct information can give every newborn a better start to a healthy life. Through public participation and awareness, further improvements can be made in maternal and child health services and significant steps can be taken towards building a malnutrition‑free and healthy society.