The observation of World Breastfeeding Week 2024 carrying the theme
“Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for all” was launched in East Jaiñtia Hills District at a
Programme held at Rymbai PHC which was attended by District Immunization Officer, East Jaiñtia Hills
District, Dr. (Mrs.) N.P Suchiang, Medical & Health Officer, Rymbai PHC, Dr.L. Kharnaior, other health officials, ASHAs and people of Rymbai area.
Addressing the programme, District Immunization Officer, East Jaiñtia Hills District, Dr. (Mrs.)
N.P Suchiang said that World Breastfeeding Week is observed every year to create awareness among the general public on the importance of breastfeeding and to educate people on the ill effects of providing pre-lacteal feeds to newborns, risks of feeding bottles, etc. She also highlighted on several health benefits that newborn babies receive from breast milk. She also stressed on the importance of providing adequate nutrition to the mother during pregnancy and after delivery even as she emphasized on the importance of providing breastfeeding to infants within one hour after birth, both in normal and caesarean deliveries.
Dr Suchiang further illustrated on the various health benefits newborn babies receive through
breastfeeding even as she said that exclusive breastfeeding not only promotes the wellbeing of the
newborns but also enhances the intellectual growth of children and also assists in making a strong bond
between mother and baby through skin-to-skin contact.
Furthermore, she encouraged ASHAs to continuously educate community members on the importance of breastfeeding.
Meanwhile, Public Health Nurse (PHN), East Jaintia Hills District, Smt. P. Lywait in her address
spoke at length on the importance of breastfeeding even as she also demonstrated various breastfeeding positioning techniques that people can adopt while feeding milk.
Other highlights of the programme include a skit on World Breastfeeding Week enacted by ASHAs of Rymbai PHC. It may be mentioned that Breastfeeding week is observed worldwide in the first week of
August each year with the aim of promoting enabling environments that help women to breastfeed,
including support in the community and the workplace as well as sharing information on breastfeeding
benefits and strategies. (DPRO, Khliehriat)
Sd/-
District Public Relations Officer,
East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat
Memo.No.KHR-09/2024-25/181-A, Dated: Khliehriat, the 2nd August, 2024
Copy to:-
1. The Director of Information & Public Relations, Meghalaya, Shillong, for information and
necessary action.
2. Office Copy.
Sd/-
District Public Relations Officer,
East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat
