Breastfeeding is considered to be one of the most enriching experiences for a mother. It not only nourishes the baby, but also creates a strong bond between the mother and child. Breastfeeding is proven to improve immunity and reduce obesity, diabetes and asthma among children. It is also proven that it reduces the chance of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis for the mothers. It is important for the new mothers to consider prolonging the period of feeding their children with breast milk, ideally upto 2 years and beyond.
To encourage new moms on adopting breastfeeding, Ms. Lara Dutta, shared her experiences, “Being a mother is the most beautiful aspect of a woman’s life. It is also a great responsibility. I feel honored to be a part of Manipal Hospital and this initiative of creating awareness about the goodness of breastfeeding. As a mother I want to help all new and expectant mothers understand the importance of breastfeeding.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. H Sudarshan Ballal, Medical Director, Manipal Health Enterprises, said, “We are very glad that Ms Lara Dutta a celebrity mom, former miss universe and a famous cine star is here to endorse this very important cause and I am sure her endorsement will encourage many new moms to follow this vital practice which is truly beneficial to both the mother and child “
Breast milk is the only food needed by a baby for the first 6 months of life and it should be initiated in the very first hour of birth. The mother should feed the baby on demand rather than on schedule. Even a dad has a vital role to play in the process by attending a childbirth class to learn about breastfeeding.
Dr. Ravneet Joshi, Lactation Consultant, Manipal Hospital, highlighted the advantages of breastfeeding, “Mother’s milk acts as the first vaccine for the baby. Breastfeeding protects the babies against infections and helps in better brain development. It is also proven that breastfeeding lowers the risk of ovarian cancer and pre-menopausal breast cancer for the mothers. A mother needs to value the importance of breastfeeding as it is an essence of life for the baby along with providing protection to self”
There is a growing evidence of the benefits to mother and child of early initiation of breastfeeding, preferably in the first hour of birth. Early initiation of breastfeeding contributes in reducing neo-natal mortality. It not only ensures early skin to skin contact, which is important in preventing hypothermia among newborns, but also establishes a bond between the mother and her child.
Breastfeeding is the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients so essential for their growth and prevent malnourishment. Let us all educate, protect, support and promote the importance of Breastfeeding among the new mothers to welcome a new healthy generation.
About Manipal Health Enterprises:
Manipal Health Enterprises (MHE) is a leading healthcare provider, delivering quality healthcare in India. It is part of the Manipal Education & Medical Group. MHE operates its healthcare network under the brand of “Manipal Hospitals”.
MHE manages an aggregate of 4,900 beds among 15 hospitals, over 11 locations across 5 States in India. The network of hospitals covers all levels of delivery from primary to secondary to tertiary to quaternary care. It has, over the years, built a significant, committed clinical and healthcare skill pool of over 1,500 doctors and 5,500 nurses, paramedics and support staff, dedicated to its core values of “clinical excellence, patient centricity and ethical practices” and thereby, delivering the highest standards of healthcare to patients. MHE’s hospital network annually services over 2 million patients in India and from abroad.
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