Breastfeeding Week

Report – Breastfeeding Week 2018

On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week 2018 (1^st - 7^th August), Department of Home Science, organized two guest lectures on 7^th August 2018 and a quiz on 9^th August 2018.

The theme given for World Breastfeeding Week, 2018 was “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together”.

Dr. Nisha Naruka, Associate professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mahatma Gandhi College And Hospital, Jaipur and Dr Natwar Parwal, Department of Paediatrics, Mahatma Gandhi College And Hospital, Jaipur were the invited speaker.

Dr Nisha Naruka focussed on Maternal health ie. health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It encompasses the health care dimensions of family planning, preconception, prenatal, and postnatal care in order to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience in most cases and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in other cases. She has shared the vital statistics of World, then Indian and later of Rajasthan. She said that four elements are essential to maternal death prevention. First, prenatal care. It is recommended that expectant mothers receive at least four antenatal visits to check and monitor the health of mother and foetus. Second, skilled birth attendance with emergency backup such as doctors, nurses and midwives who have the skills to manage normal deliveries and recognize the onset of complications. Third, emergency obstetric care to address the major causes of maternal death which are haemorrhage, sepsis, unsafe abortion, hypertensive disorders and obstructed labour. Lastly, postnatal care which is the six weeks following delivery. During this time bleeding, sepsis and hypertensive disorders can occur and newborns are extremely vulnerable in the immediate aftermath of birth. Therefore, follow-up visits by a health worker assess the health of both mother and child in the postnatal period is strongly recommended.

Dr Natwar Parwal emphasised on feeding of colostrum to the infant, as it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that supports cognitive development and antibodies (IgA), which provide immunity to the baby. Breastfeeding also helps in building an emotional bond between the mother and the baby and gives a feeling of fulfilment to both. He has discussed the composition of human milk, a wholesome food for newly born babies that need not be complemented by other formula milk, cow’s milk or water. It is beneficial over supplementary foods as it is economical, natural, healthy and eco-friendly. He has also focussed on the benefits of breastfeeding to the mother, baby, family, community and the environment.

As part of breastfeeding week celebrations, the quiz was organized on 9^th August 2018. The quiz was organized by the final year students of M Sc H Sc (Foods & Nutrition). It was open for the undergraduate students of the Department of Home Science. Total 20 students have participated in the quiz. There were 5 teams namely- Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Topaz and Diamond.

The quiz was conducted in 3 round – General round, specific round ad rapid fire round. All the participants have performed very well. Team Emerald was the winner, followed by Sapphire, Topaz, Diamond and Ruby.

Welcoming of the guests Dr Parwal & Dr Khunteta

Dr Khunteta being greeted by the student

Ms  Nidhi Sharma, student of M Sc Giving a brief introduction of the guest

Pictures of students actively participating In the quiz

Students waiting for their round to answer the questions

The concluding slide of the quiz