Closing ceremony of Breastfeeding Week

Namchi, 7th August(IPR): The World Breastfeeding Week, themed’ “enabling breastfeeding-making a difference for working parents” organised by Nutrition Cell, Women and Child Development Department concluded at Melli Primary Health Centre(PHC), today.
The Chief guest for the day was Ward Panchayat, Melli East Mr. Damber Kumar Basnett. He was accompanied by Deputy Director, Horticulture Department Ms. Saroja Tamang, Dr. Sudhan Chettri from Melli PHC, Development Project Officer (DPO) Mr. Joshua Lama, Supervisor Mrs. Tulsi Sharma along with Aganwadi Workers under Jorethang Rural Project and other officials from Women and Child Development Department, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) children, lactating mothers and pregnant women.
Mr. Damber Kumar Basnett expressed his appreciation and gratitude for organising the event. He spoke about the benefits of ICDS, and the efforts of Anganwadi workers for the development of child growth. He reiterated that breast milk can be even consumed as medicine, as it in prevention and protection from various diseases in children.
Ms. Saroja Tamang informed about the importance of nutri-garden and urged the gathering to utilise available spaces in their respective kitchen gardens and terraces to grow green vegetables. Further, she encouraged everyone to increase the consumption of nutritious food and vegetables. In addition, she also mentioned the concept of ‘rainbow plate’ as colourful vegetables will have its own benefits, including vitamins, protein and iron.
Assistant Director, Mrs. Sophia Lepcha enlightened about the importance of breastfeeding as it helps in creating a special bond between mother and the child. She informed that breastfeeding should be done within 1 hour after child’s birth.She elaborated on postpartum depression and urged families, especially the spouse to support women during such a situation.
Mr. Joshua Lama, informed about various schemes under ICDS, where he spoke about the declaration of United Nations resolution,2023 to be an ‘International year of millets’ as such every centre has been providing meals made from the millets to children. He detailed about the centrally sponsored scheme Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana(PMMVY) to benefit pregnant women and lactating mothers.
An Anaemia screening camp for the adolescents girls, pregnant women, lactating women were held along with various competitions ,including recipes, baby show, rhymes, quiz. Anganwadi Workers also exhibited food items and vegetables that would increase the breast milk.
It may be mentioned that similar programme s under ‘World Breastfeeding Week’ was also observed at Maniram, Phalidara GPK and Khop ICDS centre, Ravangla in the previous week.