World Breastfeeding Week: 1-7 August 2023
“You should not require superpowers to juggle breastfeeding at work”.
Sree Abirami College of Nursing, an educational institution dedicated to nurturing future healthcare professionals, actively participated in the World Breastfeeding Week from August 1st to 3rd, 2023. The international observance, which takes place in the first week of August, is an annual celebration aiming to promote breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. The theme for 2023, “Let’s make breastfeeding and work, Work!”, calls for collective efforts from all sectors of society to support working mothers in providing exclusive breastfeeding for their infants.
The college embraced this theme, educating both the public and students on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding through interactive events. The series of events kicked off with poster presentations by the third-year B.Sc Nursing students at the Sree Abirami Hospital. These posters, themed on breastfeeding, served to educate mothers on the myriad benefits of breastfeeding, including the unparalleled advantages of breast milk and the techniques that facilitate effective breastfeeding. Accompanying these visual aids was a mime show presented in the OPD Complex, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of breastfeeding for the mother, the baby, and the broader society.
The following day, fourth-year B.Sc Nursing students took to the stage with a role play at the Pollachi Government Hospital. This performance underscored the critical importance of initiating breastfeeding early on, sustaining exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and techniques for proper positioning, attachment, and the correct methods for expressing and storing breast milk. This educational initiative reached approximately 50 new mothers, enriching their knowledge and understanding of breastfeeding.
On the third day, the college shifted the focus to the life-saving aspect of breast milk donation, featuring Mrs. Sindhu Monica, who shared her inspirational journey of donating 42 liters of breast milk in just seven months, a feat that was acknowledged by the Asian Book of Records and Indian Book of Records. Mrs. Monica’s experience underscored the crucial role that breast milk donation plays in reducing infant mortality rates and supporting the health of premature and immune-compromised infants, asserting that it is as significant as blood and organ donation.
The programme was further elevated by Dr. Umadevi, the Director of Sree Abirami Institutions, who highlighted the role of the youth in promoting and protecting breastfeeding. She enlightened attendees on how breastfeeding can be successfully continued by working women, providing valuable insights for the students.
To deepen the students’ understanding of breastfeeding, Dr. Sreerenjini. B, a professor at the college, hosted an interactive educational session. This session focused on the initiation and importance of breastfeeding, how to assess if an infant is being adequately breastfed, and strategies to manage common breastfeeding issues.
The culmination of these events was under the guidance of Dr. Renuka.R, the Principal of Sree Abirami College of Nursing. The successful coordination of the programme and the public’s enthusiastic reception have been immensely encouraging. The institution’s commitment to such causes reflects its broader ethos of community welfare and education.
As World Breastfeeding Week concluded, the college reinforced its mission to contribute to creating an environment where working parents are empowered to continue their breastfeeding journey. This support is not only crucial for the health and well-being of mother and child but also stands as a testament to the college’s dedication to enhancing community well-being and contributing to societal wealth.
