Harish Rao Directed Doctors, Health Workers to Encourage Breastfeeding to Babies

Gajwel, Aug.1 (Maxim News): Health Minister T Harish Rao called upon doctors and health workers to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and their moms and take up a campaign for encouraging the mothers in a big way in this regard.

Speaking at a programme to mark the commencement of ‘World Breastfeeding Week’ being celebrated from August 1 to 7, here on Monday, Minister Harish Rao said the breastfeeding has ample health benefits not only for babies but even for mothers as well and the breast milk provides an infant with essential nutrients to support growth and development.

The Minister said that giving the colostrum to new born infant is very crucial for the first one hour as it helps in providing stronger immune systems to babies that protect them from contracting infections and also reduces the risk of infant mortality.

Explaining benefits of breastfeeding for mothers, the Minister said it reduces postpartum bleeding and the risk of urinary tract infections. There are fewer chances of developing anaemia, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, endometriosis, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The breastfeeding increases physical and emotional bondage between mother and child which helps in the reduction of behavioural and social problems in both infants and adults, he said.

Terming the colostrum as an equal to immunisation vaccine, Harish Rao said the breastmilk is the ideal food for infants and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses.

” Due to increase in C-section surgeries and various reasons, mothers are unable to give the breastfeeding to their babies. We should put an end this practice and encourage the mothers to continue the practice of breastfeeding,” Harish Rao said. (Maxim News)

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