Department of Pediatrics Hosts Comprehensive Awareness Program for World Breastfeeding Week
The Department of Pediatrics successfully conducted the third day of the World Breastfeeding Week celebrations on August 3, 2026, featuring a series of educational and creative activities aimed at promoting maternal and infant health. The days proceedings were strategically held across the Hospital Reception area and the corridors of the Pediatric and Obstetrics and Gynaecology outpatient departments to ensure maximum engagement with patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals. The event served as a vital platform for disseminating critical information regarding neonatal nutrition and the long term benefits of breastfeeding.
The morning session commenced with a Rangoli Competition held in the hospital reception area, where nursing students utilized artistic expression to convey this years global breastfeeding theme. The participants created intricate and colorful designs that visually articulated the importance of breastfeeding, successfully capturing the attention of the public and fostering a welcoming atmosphere of learning. This initiative allowed students to bridge the gap between clinical knowledge and community outreach, using art as a medium to reinforce health promotion strategies within a clinical setting.
Following the creative showcase, a comprehensive Breastfeeding Awareness Programme was convened on the second floor for antenatal mothers, postnatal mothers, and the general public. The educational segment of the program provided in depth guidance on the early initiation of breastfeeding and the necessity of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Faculty members delivered detailed presentations on correct positioning and attachment techniques, while also addressing and debunking common breastfeeding misconceptions to empower mothers with evidence based knowledge. Furthermore, the importance of continued breastfeeding alongside the introduction of complementary feeding was emphasized to ensure optimal growth and development for infants.
The event was honored by the presence of several distinguished institutional leaders and clinical experts, including Chief Operating Officer Dr. K. S. Krishnamurthy and Resident Medical Officer Dr. Pradeep Kumar. Academic leadership was represented by Dr. Ramesh M, Professor and Head of the Department of Pediatrics, alongside Dr. Anitha, Professor and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The multidisciplinary approach was further bolstered by the participation of Dr. Sahana from the Department of Neonatology, Dr. Sriharsha, Principal of the BGS VINS College of Nursing, and Dr. Vaishnavi. The session also included a specialized nutrition lecture by Dietician Bindhu, who provided essential insights into maternal dietary requirements during pregnancy and lactation.
The days activities concluded with an engaging and informative skit performed by the nursing students. Through dramatic representation, the students illustrated the critical role of family support in successful breastfeeding journeys and the socio cultural factors that influence maternal health outcomes. This performance not only entertained the audience but also served as a powerful tool for behavioral change communication. By integrating clinical education with community participation, the Department of Pediatrics has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing public health through informed advocacy and compassionate care.
