Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 18 2010:
With a message of compulsory breast feeding for every baby upto six months, Breast Feeding Promotion Network of India, Manipur State Branch conducted its 8th annual conference at RIMS mini auditorium today.
Family Welfare Services Director S Ibomcha, RIMS Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department Prof Dr CM Singh and FPNI Manipur President Dr N Nabakishore graced the function as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.
Giving keynot address of the programme organised under the theme, 'Counselling of Breastfeeding: Need of the Hour', BPNI Manipur Secretary Dr Shyamkumar Laishram the rate of proper breastfeeding is low even though most people know that breastfeeding is essential for babies.
He said, according to the report of National Family Health Survey Phase II, only 27 percent of the newly born babies are breastfed within one hour of its birth in the State.
Shyamkumar further informed that only 69.7 percent of the State babies complete 'exclusive breastfeeding' period ie six months from its birth.
Shyamkumar Laishram added that every baby must be fed with mother's breast milk within one hour of their birth as they are active within 30 to 60 minutes.
Saying that timely breastfeeding can enhance immune system of the baby, Shyamkumar informed that even excessive bleeding to mothers during child birth can be stopped with breastfeeding.
Maintaining that 'exclusive breastfeeding' needs co-opeartion from family members as well, Shyamkumar Laishram also said that health workers must spread awareness on breastfeeding so that people understand its need.