Exclusive breastfeeding must improve further, says Collector

Tirupati: District Collector Dr S Venkateswar has said that breastfeeding lays the foundation for a healthy and sustainable life for every child and stressed the need to create greater awareness among mothers, families and the public about its importance.

Speaking at a review meeting organised as part of World Breastfeeding Week at the district Collectorate on Thursday, the Collector reviewed the district’s breastfeeding practices and discussed measures to improve early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding.

Referring to this year’s theme, ‘Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life’, he said breastfeeding should be initiated as early as possible after birth to strengthen the bond between mother and child and provide the newborn with essential nutrition. He directed officials to encourage mothers to begin breastfeeding immediately after normal deliveries and, in the case of caesarean sections or other medical conditions, as soon as doctors certify that it is safe.

Citing National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data, Dr Venkateswar said the district has improved the rate of early initiation of breastfeeding from 52 per cent to 67 per cent.

However, there is a need to further increase the number of infants, who receive exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. Mothers and family members should be made aware that babies do not require water, other liquids or supplementary food during this period.

The Collector asked health workers to go beyond verbal counselling and provide practical demonstrations on correct breastfeeding techniques, including proper positioning of the baby and latching. He said ANMs, ASHA workers and Anganwadi staff should extend personalised support to mothers who face difficulties while breastfeeding. Complementary feeding should be introduced only after the child completes six months of age, while breastfeeding should continue. Officials of the ICDS, Health Department, Tata Trusts, and others attended the programme.

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