Mangan, August 1 (IPR): The inaugural ceremony of World Breastfeeding Week was held at District Hospital Mangan, today. The event, organised by ICDS Mangan in collaboration with the RCH division of the district hospital focused on the theme "Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All". The ceremony was graced by the presence of DC Mangan Mr. Anant Jain (IAS)Councillor MNP Ms. Tshering Doma Bhutia, CMO Dr T. T. Kaleon, DRCHO Dr. Tshering Zomba Lachenpa, Deputy Director Mangan Ms Sonam Lhaden Lachungpa, Deputy Director Dzongu Mr. Netuk Lepcha, Senior DPHNO Mrs. Peden Bhutia, LHV Mrs. Norkey Lepcha, HE Mr. Rinchen Bhutia, along with Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi workers, ICDS supervisors, SWIs and officials from relevant departments.
The programme commenced with an address by CMO Mr. Kaleon, who outlined the roles and responsibilities of the Brand Ambassador for Breastfeeding in providing counselling and guidance to pregnant women. He emphasised the importance of encouraging normal deliveries over Caesarean sections, highlighting the importance of immediate breastfeeding within the first few hours after childbirth.
The event also marked the launch of the Brand Ambassador for Breastfeeding initiative in Mangan District. CDPO Mangan briefed on the importance of the event for the initiation of breastfeeding at birth in Mangan District Hospital. This initiative aims to enhance the support and education provided to mothers about the benefits and techniques of breastfeeding from the very beginning.
The appointed nurses will serve a term of one year, during which they will lead efforts to promote breastfeeding, demonstrate feeding postures and offer personalised support to new mothers.
In his address, DC Mr. Jain stressed the importance of the public's trust in medical professionals, emphasising the responsibility of the medical community to guide them correctly. He urged women to recognise the significance of exclusive breastfeeding, particularly during the first six months post-delivery and encouraged those present to promote awareness about exclusive breastfeeding and the benefits of natural childbirth.
Councillor Ms. Tshering expressed her gratitude towards ASHA and Anganwadi workers for their dedication, underscoring the crucial roles they play in societal well-being. She assured the gathering of the Mangan Nagar Panchayat's support and urged the workers to seek assistance, whenever necessary.
The programme also featured a Baby Show and a competition showcasing nutritious food for lactating women, with winners receiving gift hampers. Additionally, brief sessions on topics such as Poustik Aahar (nutritious diet), good nutrition during pregnancy and lactation and the importance of exclusive breastfeeding were presented by nutrition inspectors and the DPHNO.