Pics: Niranjan M N
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Aug 7: Adarsha Hospital, Udupi, and Sri Adarsha College of Nursing, a unit of Adarsha Charitable Trust, celebrated World Breastfeeding Week 2026 with an awareness programme at Adarsha Hospital on Friday, August 7.
The programme was organized in association with the District Health and Family Welfare Department, Udupi, Koosamma Shambhu Shetty Memorial Haji Abdulla Mother and Child Hospital, National Health Mission, and Inner Wheel Club, Udupi.
The event was inaugurated by the dignitaries through the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp.
Addressing the gathering, Dr G S Chandrashekar, medical director of Adarsha Hospital, stressed the importance of breastfeeding despite changing lifestyles and work pressures and said, “In today's fast-paced world, many mothers are forced to skip or reduce breastfeeding due to work pressure and changing lifestyles, often leaving the baby's care entirely to grandparents. However, breastfeeding for at least the first six months is essential, as it serves as the baby's first natural medicine. The very first drops of breast milk act like a vaccine, protecting the newborn from diseases. Breastfeeding is not only vital for the baby's health but also benefits the mother by strengthening the emotional bond between mother and child and reducing the risk of breast cancer by nearly 25 to 30 percent.”
Geethanjali Suvarna, state president for female wing of Brahmasri Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana Association, emphasized that modern lifestyles often prevent mothers from spending sufficient time with their newborns, and said, “Modern lifestyles have made it increasingly difficult for many mothers to spend enough time with their newborns. Today, many women hand over the entire responsibility of caring for the baby to their mothers after delivery. In earlier days, our elders would insist that mothers breastfeed their babies for the recommended period to ensure healthy growth. However, concerns about work commitments, appearance, and changing lifestyles have led many mothers to neglect breastfeeding, with feeding bottles becoming more common. Motherhood is a unique and precious experience, and the true joy of it can only be felt by holding your baby close and breastfeeding.”
Dr Guruprasad Shetty, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, Adarsha Hospital Udupi, highlighted that breastfeeding should ideally begin within 30 minutes of childbirth, as the first milk significantly boosts the baby's immunity and helps prevent respiratory infections. He advised exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by complementary feeding while continuing breastfeeding up to two years of age, with gradual weaning thereafter.
Dr Ranjitha S Nayak, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Adarsha Hospital, Udupi, described breast milk as the newborn's first natural vaccine and stressed the importance of initiating breastfeeding immediately after birth through Kangaroo Mother Care. Referring to this year's World Breastfeeding Week theme, "Sustainability for Breastfeeding," she said family support plays a vital role in successful breastfeeding. She also noted that breastfeeding contributes to the baby's oral and speech development, while a nutritious, protein-rich diet helps mothers produce sufficient breast milk.
As part of the week-long celebrations, poster competitions were conducted for Adarsha Hospital nursing staff and students from various nursing colleges from August 1 to 7. Winners were felicitated during the programme.
Venna welcomed the gathering, Prathibha proposed the vote of thanks, and Anushree compered the programme.
The event was attended by Vimala Chandrashekar, CEO Adarsha Hospital Udupi; Dr Damayanthi, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Adarsh Hospital Udupi; Dr Suhas G C, director Adarsha Hospital Udupi; Saritha V K, president Inner Wheel Club Udupi and others.