Support systems key to improving breastfeeding rates and maternal health, say experts

Carnatic vocalist Nithyashree Mahadevan inaugurated a week-long awareness campaign to mark World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 to 7) at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER). Drawing from personal experience, she stressed the role of emotional well-being in successful breastfeeding.

S. Srinivasan, expert advisor to the National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu, said only 42% of Indian mothers breastfeed and cited a Spanish study showing that rate of breastfeeding increased with peer, professional, and family support. Uma Sekar, the institute’s Vice-Chancellor, emphasised breastfeeding’s impact on bonding and cancer prevention. K. Balaji Singh, dean, highlighted lactation support from labour rooms and a state-of-the-art human milk bank.

The campaign is being led by Latha Ravichandran, dean of education, along with the heads of obstetrics and gynaecology, neonatology, paediatrics, nursing and clinical nutrition.