“Nurturing the Future: World Breastfeeding Week 2024 Celebrations at Sree Abirami College of Nursing”
From August 1st to August 7th, 2024, Sree Abirami College of Nursing passionately joined the global community in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week. This annual event aims to promote and support breastfeeding as a vital component of infant health and well-being. Under the theme **”Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life,”** the college organized a series of impactful programs and activities to raise awareness and educate both the public and healthcare professionals about the importance of breastfeeding.
The week’s festivities commenced on August 3rd at the Masonic Medical Centre for Children. Third-year B.Sc Nursing students and second-year General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) students from the Department of Child Health Nursing collaborated to host an engaging program from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event featured a **”Healthy Baby Contest,”** an open quiz, and a dynamic role-play session. These activities were designed to educate mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding and to empower nurses with strategies to support and encourage breastfeeding practices among new mothers. The role-play, in particular, provided a relatable and interactive method to demonstrate proper breastfeeding techniques and address common challenges faced by mothers.
On August 5th, the momentum continued as fourth-year B.Sc Nursing students conducted a role-play titled **”Breast Milk: The Perfect Nutrition”** at the maternity ward of Pollachi Government Hospital. Between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., the students creatively presented scenarios highlighting breastfeeding positions, the nutritional richness of breast milk, and its irreplaceable role in infant development. This initiative not only educated the attending mothers but also reinforced the students’ understanding and ability to communicate essential health information effectively.
The highlight of the week’s events was a vibrant **breastfeeding awareness rally** held on August 6th. Starting at 9:30 a.m. from the Sub-Collector’s office and concluding at Pollachi Government Headquarters Hospital, the rally was inaugurated by Sub-Collector **S. Priyanka**, alongside the Dean and Resident Medical Officer. Approximately 45 enthusiastic students and faculty members marched with banners and placards, chanting slogans to promote the importance of breastfeeding. The rally showcased the collective commitment of the college community to advocate for public health and brought significant attention to the cause among residents.
Further extending their outreach, the Department of Community Health Nursing observed World Breastfeeding Week on August 7th at the Arisipalayam Subcentre. Third-year GNM students led the program, engaging the community through skits, dances, and awareness songs. They also organized an exhibition displaying iron-rich foods and dietary suggestions to improve breast milk production. This hands-on approach provided practical knowledge to mothers and families, emphasizing the link between nutrition and effective breastfeeding.
Concluding the week’s activities, a guest lecture titled **”All About Breastfeeding”** was held on August 8th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the college auditorium. Delivered by **Dr. Sudha, MD (DG)**, the Medical Director, the lecture covered a comprehensive range of topics including the physiological benefits of breastfeeding, the nutritional content of breast milk, and strategies to overcome common breastfeeding challenges. Dr. Sudha engaged the audience with her expertise, and the session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment where students actively participated, clarifying doubts and deepening their understanding.
The series of events organized by Sree Abirami College of Nursing during World Breastfeeding Week 2024 reflected a deep-seated commitment to promoting maternal and child health. By combining educational programs, community outreach, and interactive sessions, the college successfully raised awareness about the critical role of breastfeeding in ensuring the health and well-being of infants. These initiatives not only benefited the immediate community but also equipped the nursing students with invaluable experience and skills to support and advocate for breastfeeding in their future careers.
The week-long celebration underscored the collaborative spirit of the students and faculty, highlighting their dedication to fostering a healthier society. Through their efforts, Sree Abirami College of Nursing has contributed significantly to the global mission of World Breastfeeding Week, reinforcing the message that breastfeeding is a shared responsibility that benefits all of humanity.