Breast feeding promotion prog launched

SHILLONG, SEPT 2: MAA-Mother’s Absolute Protection, a Breast Feeding Promotion Programme- to ensure that adequate awareness is generated among the masses, especially mothers, on the benefits of breastfeeding was launched in the state by Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare Minister Roshan Warjri at a function at Ganesh Das Hospital on Friday.

This flagship programme of the union government was first launched in the country on 5th August 2016 at New Delhi.

The programme was also attended by secretaries of the Health & Family Welfare Department, MR Synrem and  KW Marbaniang, DHS (Medical Institutions),Dr. R.Wankhar, DHS (Maternal Child Health and Family Welfare), Dr. R Kharbudnah and other senior officials and staffs of the Health and Family Welfare department

Addressing the gathering, Warjri emphasised to all concerned on the importance of mother’s milk to the growth and wellbeing of a child.” Mother’s milk is God’s most precious gift to a child” she said while reiterating on the fact as to how mother’s milk offers full protection and immunity to a child since birth and until he/she grows up.

Warjri also stated that a nutritious diet and proper rest are pre-requisites towards ensuring that a healthy baby is given birth. She also stressed on the need for a good family support system before pregnancy, during and after the baby is delivered.” The husband as well as relatives must lend their physical, emotional and most importantly spiritual support to an expecting mother” she added.

Senior Pediatrician at Ganesh Das Hospital Dr Y Shabong had earlier in the programme stated that mother’s milk is the first inoculation in the life of a person adding that it offers immunity against diseases like diarrhoea, pneumonia, asthma, skin diseases like eczema and others, post-delivery ailments.-By Our Reporter