Importance of breastfeeding stressed

Khammam: Mother’s milk is the complete source of nutrition for a baby and is the best medicine a mother can give to her baby. It is important to breastfeed the baby until it attains six months of age, according to Habimunnisa Begum, Supervisor of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).

Anganwadi teachers conducted an awareness campaign here on Thursday on the occasion of the World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 to 7) on the importance of breastfeeding in 34 Division in Ramanagutta of Khammam city. Speaking on the occasion, Habumunnisa Begum said this year Breastfeeding Week was aimed at creating an enabling environment for women to protect, promote and support breastfeeding in all walks of life, at home, in community and at work.

She also said breastfeeding to the baby until six months of age was considered as golden stage where an infant received colostrum (first milk) in the first week which was rich in nutrients and contains protective factors and also established strong bond between mother and baby.

She also explained pregnant women and their family members that breast milk contained perfect blend of vitamins, proteins, fats, antibodies and growth factors needed by a baby in the first six months of life and was an uncontaminated nutritional source and urged them to breastfeed after delivering babies. Anganwadi teachers P Swarajyam, K Jyothi, I Nagamani, G Lalitha, S Vijaya Lakshmi and Rajyam were present along with others in the campaign.