Latest news with #WorldBreastfeedingWeek
The Hindu
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Experts stress importance of ‘demand feeding' of newborn babies
As part of various initiatives during the week-long celebration of World Breastfeeding Week recently, neonatologists and nurses have reiterated the importance of 'demand feeding' of newborn babies. One of the central messages being propagated among expectant women and lactating mothers during this year's celebrations on the theme 'Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create sustainable support systems,' is about picking up the baby's 'hunger cues'. 'Mothers should not wait to feed the baby until the baby cries; rather it is important to identify the early hunger cues and feed the baby,' said Manjubala Dash, professor of Nursing at the State-run Mother Theresa Post Graduate and Research Institute of Health Sciences and national trainer for the Mothers' Absolute Affection-Infant and Young Child Feeding MAA/IYCF programme of the National Health Mission. The signs of a baby's nourishment need have been classified as 'early cues' (stirring, mouth opening, turning head), 'mid cues' (stretching, increasing movement) and late cues (crying). 'Ideally, the child should be fed before it cries. Each mother needs to know about demand feeding', Ms. Dash said. Neonatologists at Jipmer reiterate the importance of sustained awareness campaign on the critical importance of newborns being exclusively breastfed for the first six months and of breastfeeding being continued till the child is two years of age. They cite the National Survey (NFHS-5) which found that only 41% of infants in India were breastfed within one hour of birth and only 64% were exclusively breastfed for six months. Jipmer's Nursing department was joined by departments of Neonatology, Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology as well as the College of Nursing to organise various programmes to raise awareness on breastfeeding. Beginning with a rally flagged off by Vir Singh Negi, Jipmer Director, volunteers presented 'villu pattu', role plays, posters and artwork centred on breastfeeding through the week. Useful information regarding importance of breastfeeding and essential newborn care was imparted to the postnatal mothers. For mothers too, breastfeeding prevents the occurrence of breastcancer and ovarian cancers. According to Jipmer doctors, breastfeeding and human milk are the normative standards for infant feeding and nutrition. Breastmilk contains the ideal ratio of nutrients and minerals and has immuno-protective properties that shield the infant from diarrhoea, pneumonia and ear infection. Optimal nutrition during the first two years of a child's life is crucial, as it lowers morbidity and mortality, reduces the risk of chronic diseases and fosters better neurodevelopment. In fact, according to a recent Lancet series, breastmilk helps to prevent all forms of malnutrition, ensures food security for infants and young children, and thus helps to bring people and nations out of the hunger and poverty cycle. Doctors also cautioned about breast-milk substitutes flooding the market and threatening to undermine efforts to improve breastfeeding rates and duration worldwide. Cow's milk, gripe water, formula feeds and bottle-feeding are harmful to newborns and should not be given, they said. Doctors felt that in addition to increasing adoption of breastfeeding practices through awareness drives, it was also imperative for State-led policy actions, including implementation and oversight of national maternity protection laws. Employers should create breastfeeding-friendly policies and spaces, sanction adequate paid maternity leave and set up clean, private, and well-equipped lactation rooms where mothers can breastfeed /express milk comfortably, introduce breastfeeding breaks for the working mother and have a creche facility.
News18
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Masaba Gupta Exclusive: On Motherhood, Postpartum Blues, Neena Gupta, Satyadeep Misra & More
Last Updated: Videos This World Breastfeeding Week, designer and actor Masaba Gupta recently unveiled the Philips Avent Hands-free Electric Breast Pump in support of nursing mothers. In an exclusive chat with CNN-News18 Showsha's Titas Chowdhury, Masaba speaks about adjusting to motherhood which she embraced last October, how the arrival of her daughter Matara has made her more unhinged and why bodily changes aren't bothering her. She opens up on dealing with postpartum blues and how husband Satyadeep Misra helped her cope with it and what her 'relaxed mother' Neena Gupta's support means to her at this point in time. Masaba further talks about the stigma surrounding breastfeeding in public.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Child nutrition in Sindh — progress, policy and path ahead
Listen to article Every year, World Breastfeeding Week from August 1st to 7th serves as a global reminder of the critical role breastfeeding plays in the survival, health and well-being of infants and young children. While breastfeeding is often perceived as a natural and instinctive act, the reality for many mothers, particularly in rural and underserved areas like Sindh, is far more complex. This week is not only an opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding but also a moment to reflect on the challenges and structural barriers that hinder its practice in Pakistan. The data from Sindh's Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) survey by Sindh Bureau of Statistics reveals alarmingly low rates of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding. This underscores the urgent need for policy enforcement, community-level support and awareness to ensure every child receives the best nutritional start in life. The statistical snapshot on IYCF in Sindh (2018-19) reveals critical gaps in early childhood nutrition practices. Only 23% of newborns in Sindh were breastfed within the first hour of birth, and just 47% of infants under six months were exclusively breastfed, indicating poor early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding practices. Complementary feeding also shows concerning trends, with 68% of children aged 6-23 months receiving the minimum recommended meal frequency, but only 15% achieving the minimum diet diversity and a mere 12% receiving a minimum acceptable diet. Continued breastfeeding was reported at 77% for children aged 12-15 months and 59% at 20-23 months. Significant disparities exist across regions. For example, Larkana had the highest minimum diet diversity at 22.5% while Shaheed Benazir Abad had the lowest, 5.7%. Similarly, Hyderabad showed the highest early initiation of breastfeeding at 34.8%, compared to just 11.9% in Sukkur. The data also highlights inequities based on household wealth, maternal education and place or type of delivery children from urban, wealthier and more educated backgrounds fared better in IYCF indicators. These findings stress the importance of promoting timely initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and the introduction of safe, diverse complementary foods to improve child health outcomes in Sindh. After health department was devolved to provinces under the 18th Amendment, several provinces enacted their own legislation: Punjab amended its version in 2012, Sindh passed the first provincial law in February 2013, followed by Balochistan in 2014 and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in 2015. The Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breast-Feeding and Child Nutrition Act, 2013 was a landmark provincial initiative aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding up to two years. In contrast, the Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breast-Feeding and Young Child Nutrition Act, 2023 revived and significantly strengthened the earlier legislation. It extended the scope of protection beyond infants to include children up to 36 months of age and placed stricter restrictions on the marketing and promotion of not only infant formula but also follow-on formulas, feeding bottles, pacifiers and related products. In essence, while the 2013 Act laid the legislative foundation, the 2023 law modernised, expanded and enforced that framework, turning policy into meaningful action for child nutrition and maternal health in Sindh. As World Breastfeeding Week draws to a close, it is essential to move beyond symbolic gestures and commit to sustained action. The passage of the Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breast-Feeding and Young Child Nutrition Act, 2023 is a major step forward, reinforcing the government's responsibility to support mothers and safeguard infant health. However, laws alone are not enough. Effective implementation, public awareness and frontline support for breastfeeding mothers especially in marginalised areas must become a priority. There is need to protect, promote and support breastfeeding as a fundamental right and a life-saving intervention for the youngest citizens of Sindh and Pakistan.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Don't forget to feed the feeder! Nutrition tips for breastfeeding mothers
Nurfazira Binti Saifudin Importance of breastfeeding Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful ways to protect both mothers and infants. As we commemorate World Breastfeeding Week, it's the perfect time to highlight an often-overlooked aspect of successful breastfeeding: maternal nutrition. When a mother breastfeeds, her body uses up a lot of energy and nutrients to make good milk for the baby. If she doesn't eat well, her own body can get tired or weak. That's why it's really important for breastfeeding mothers to eat healthy; it helps both the mother and the baby stay strong. Breastfeeding diet for breastfeeding mothers To meet these extra needs, a mother's body needs about 500 more calories each day. Choosing the right kinds of food helps keep her energy up and supports her overall well-being. So, what should breastfeeding mothers eat? There is no need for expensive or fancy foods; just a variety of healthy local options can do the job well. First, eat balanced meals. Try to include all food groups in your daily meals, such as carbohydrate like rice, bread, noodles, etc, protein like eggs, chicken, fish, tofu, tempeh, or beans. Vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. Second, drink enough water. Try to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day, more in hot weather or if you're very active. You can also get fluids from soup, milk, or an herbal drink. Some key micronutrients mothers can focus on. Calcium is needed to keep bones strong and healthy. You can get it from milk, yogurt, cheese, or calcium-fortified soy products. Iron helps with energy and keeps your immune system strong. Good sources include lean meats, liver, spinach, and legumes like lentils or chickpeas. Vitamin B12 is important for the nervous system and is especially crucial for mothers who don't eat meat, such as vegetarians or vegans. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, support your baby's brain development and can be found in oily fish like salmon and sardines, or in chia seeds and flaxseeds. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium properly. The best source is safe sunlight exposure, but it can also be found in fortified foods or taken as a supplement if needed.
Barnama
2 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Aug 8, 2025
The World Health Organisation (WHO) will work with the Ministry of Health to provide medical essentials to internally displaced people following the border conflict. Many in the northern provinces left their homes during the five-day conflict with Thailand. The Ministry of Tourism and Airavata, a nonprofit organisation that protects elephants in Ratanakiri Province, are exploring ways to promote ecotourism. The organisation has been successful in elephant conservation and developing rural ecotourism. 1. MAKING BREASTFEEDING TOP HEALTH PRIORITY -- VIENTIANE TIMES The government is giving serious attention to breastfeeding to promote a healthy lifestyle. In conjunction with the World Breastfeeding Week, authorities are raising awareness of breastfeeding, child health and the need for investments to support young mothers. 2. COFFEE FARMING HELPS FARMERS, FORESTS -- VIENTIANE TIMES Coffee farming and environmental campaigns are helping farmers in northern Laos protect forests and earn a sustainable income. In the Viengkham district of Luang Prabang province, 104 farmers have planted 46,900 coffee seedlings this year with the support of international bodies. MYANMAR 1. YANGON ZOO PRIDES WITH RED PANDA -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Yangon Zoo is showcasing the red panda, a rare species with fewer than 10,000 living in the wild and considered a critically endangered species. Red pandas are a mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and western China. 2. STATE FUNERAL FOR LATE PRO-TEM PRESIDENT -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar's pro-tem President U Myint Swe, who passed away yesterday morning, will be laid to rest with state honours. The government has formed 11 working committees to organise a national-level ceremony. PHILIPPINES 1. MARCOS: EGOVPH TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR FILIPINOS TO ACCESS GOVERNMENT SERVICES -- THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM) on Thursday said his administration's push for the eGovPH Super App -- designed to provide faster, simpler, and more convenient access to public services -- stems from the need to keep the Philippines in step with the times. 2. PHILIPPINES, INDIA SIGN THREE TORS TO BOOST DEFENCE TIES -- THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY The Philippines and India have strengthened their defence ties with the signing of three Terms of Reference (TORs), aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations' key armed services, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Thursday. SINGAPORE 1. CAMBODIA, THAILAND AGREE ON ASEAN OBSERVERS MONITORING TRUCE, BUT FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES REMAIN -- THE STRAITS TIMES Cambodia and Thailand agreed on a set of measures on Aug 7 aimed at bolstering a critical ceasefire between the two neighbouring countries, including allowing an interim team of ASEAN observers to monitor disputed border areas. 2. STUDENT FOUND WITH VAPE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AFTER BEHAVING AGGRESSIVELY IN SCHOOL; HSA INVESTIGATING -- THE STRAITS TIMES A student of Yuying Secondary School found with a vaping device was taken to hospital after he appeared to be behaving aggressively to a staff member. THAILAND 1. THAI POLICE DETAIN CAMBODIAN BHQ SOLDIER IN BURI RAM PROVINCE -- THE NATION A Cambodian soldier from the elite Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) unit, tasked with protecting former Prime Minister Hun Sen, was recently arrested in Buri Ram, according to Lamduan Police Station. 2. GULF GIVES B100M TO TROOPS, FAMILIES -- BANGKOK POST Gulf Development Plc, Thailand's largest energy company by market value and a telecom operator, has donated 100 million baht to the Royal Thai Army to assist soldiers injured or the families of those killed in the border conflict with Cambodia. VIETNAM 1. ONLINE SHOPPING TREND GAINING POPULARITY -- VIETNAMPLUS More Vietnamese consumers are opting for online shopping, reflecting the strong purchasing power of online channels and a major shift towards digital consumption. The fast-moving consumer goods are a major driver in this segment. 2. INNOVATION TO DRIVE NATION'S GROWTH -- VIETNAM NEWS Technology and innovation will be Vietnam's core development strategy as it aims to accelerate digital transformation and to be globally competitive. The government is drafting a national strategy to build an innovation-driven economy. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
