City hospitals hold events to highlight benefits of breastfeeding
To observe World Breastfeeding Week 2025, leading medical institutions in Ludhiana — Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Sant Ishar Singh Ji Memorial Hospital, Rara Sahib, and Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) — organised a series of impactful events to promote breastfeeding as a cornerstone of maternal and child health. This year’s global theme, ‘Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems’, resonated across all programmes, emphasising education, empowerment and community engagement.
At the DMCH, the departments of paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, in collaboration with the Ludhiana Academy of Paediatrics and Satluj Neonatology Forum, hosted a declamation contest for postgraduate students. Faculty members included Dr Puneet Pooni, professor & head, department of paediatrics, and from the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr Ashima Taneja, professor and head, who highlighted breastfeeding as a public health priority. Breastfeeding Week was marked by the launch of a wellness clinic on August 1. The department of dietetics and the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, DMCH, also conducted an awareness talk for the public at the urban health centre (UHC), Shimlapuri, and at the OPD block of the DMCH. Sessions focused on promoting awareness regarding maternal nutrition, balanced diet and women’s health.
The ESIC Medical College and Hospital observed the week with interactive talks, counselling sessions and a public forum across OPD, IPD, UHTC and RHTC. A poster and slogan-writing competition engaged nursing students and staff while Dr Aparajita Sophia D’souza, Medical Superintendent, addressed modern challenges in breastfeeding. Dr Shagun Walia, paediatrics specialist, led a hands-on session on updated lactation techniques. The event concluded with a collective pledge to make ESIC a certified baby-friendly institution.
At CMCH, the college of nursing organised a vibrant programme at the antenatal OPD. The event was organised by the obstetrics and gynecology nursing department under the guidance of Dr Harjit, professor and principal, and Prof Balqis Victor, head of the obstetrics and gynecology departments, college of nursing, CMCH. The event featured prayers, role plays and a poster exhibition. Dr Kavita Bhatti, HoD, obstetrics and gynaecology, emphasised that breastfeeding advocacy must extend beyond a single week. Students enacted real-life challenges and solutions, leaving a lasting impression on patients and families.
Sant Ishar Singh Ji Memorial Hospital, Rara Sahib, in association with the Ludhiana Academy of Pediatrics observed World Breastfeeding Week with a special awareness event dedicated to promoting health benefits of breastfeeding and proper infant nutrition.
The event featured address by Dr Tarun Sharma, senior consultant paediatrician, who emphasised that exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months was not only essential for building and development of the baby but it also provides long-term health benefits for the mother, including a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers. “Breastfeeding is nature’s first vaccine for babies and the best nutrition for the newborns,” he said, adding that “It also aids the mother’s recovery and reduces the risk of certain diseases.”
Across Ludhiana, these initiatives reaffirmed the unmatched health benefits of breastfeeding and the shared commitment of healthcare institutions to support mothers, dispel myths and build sustainable systems of care.
Meanwhile, the Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Community Science, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), observed World Breastfeeding Week through a series of educational events, held at local anganwaris and on the college campus.
Dr Kiran Bains, Dean, College of Community Science, said World Breastfeeding Week was observed annually from August 1 to 7. The global campaign aims to raise awareness about benefits of breastfeeding, promote and support breastfeeding practices and improve the health of mothers and infants.
Dr Harpreet Kaur, Head, Department of Food and Nutrition, said the department organised three impactful sessions focusing on maternal and infant health. The events engaged mothers, caregivers and community workers, providing valuable nutritional guidance, highlighting benefits of breastfeeding and offering practical support to encourage sustained breastfeeding practices, she said.
One of the highlights of the events was the demonstration of healthy product preparations for pregnant and lactating women using functional ingredients, she added.
Additionally, informative literature on breastfeeding practices was also distributed among participants. Nearly 100 beneficiaries attended the sessions, showing keen interest in lectures and enthusiasm to receive such nutritional guidance in the future for the well-being of their children and families.
Ludhiana