Namchi Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week 2024

Namchi, August 5 (IPR): World Breastfeeding Week 2024, themed ‘Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support For All,’ organised by ICDS Ravang Rural Project under the Women and Child Development Department was observed at the conference hall of Block Administrative Centre, Ravangla, today.
The celebration was attended by Ms. Rup Maya Rai Panchayat President of Ravang-Barfung GPU, as the chief guest.
Present during the programme were Mr Rinchen Dorjee Bhutia SDM Ravangla, Ms Sonam Doma Bhutia JD Nutrition, Ms Sophia Lepcha AD Nutrition, and Dr Srijana Pradhan Deputy Director Horticulture, Mr Laxman Tamang CDPO Namchi, Mr Joshwa Lama DPO Jorethang, Aaganwadi Workers, SHG members, pregnant women, lactating mothers, children along with other officers from various line departments.
Ms Rup Maya Rai in her speech, extended her warm wishes and praised the department’s efforts in raising awareness and educating mothers about various components of breast feeding.
Ms. Sonam Doma Bhutia emphasized breastfeeding’s benefits for a newborn’s development and highlighted the history of Breastfeeding Week which is observed since 1992 from 1st to 7th of August every year. She noted that this year’s breastfeeding theme focuses on promoting and supporting breastfeeding mothers in the state and fostering the emotional bond between mother and child.
Dr. Srijana Pradhan discussed the importance of a balanced nutrition for breastfeeding mothers and recommended rich vegetables, fruits, and nuts to avoid nutrient deficiencies in a mother and a child. She also stressed the need for a proper diet to maintain maternal and infant health.
A Health Educator from the Horticulture Department detailed essential aspects of antenatal, postnatal, and newborn care, where she discussed on the benefits of breastfeeding and disadvantages of artificial feeding. She also addressed postpartum depression and urged family to support mothers during such situations.
The event included the distribution of souvenirs to new mothers and pregnant women. An exhibition of organic vegetables and local cuisines was organized by the Aaganwadi Workers and recreational activities such as cultural performances, skits,rhymes and quiz competitions were also held to celebrate and showcase maternal talents.