Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SM)- pics - Ganesh S Perla

Mangalore, Aug 3: A solemn programme to inaugurate the World Breast Feeding was held at Academy Hall of Father Muller Medical College here on Friday August 3. The College of Nursing and the Department of Paediatrics jointly organized this programme.

The Breast Feeding Week is celebrated from August 1 to 7 and this year it is celebrated having the theme – 'Breastfeeding –The 1st hour saves one million babies'.  This programme is celebrated in the College every year.

Dr Rajesh B V, the district reproductive and child health officer graced the occasion by being the chief guest.  Mariammal Papu, principal of Povai College of Nursing, Coimbatore, conducted the session. 

Fr Denis D'Sa, administrator of FMMCH, delivered a felicitation speech and said “One should felicitate all those mothers who have gone a long way to breast feed their children and gift this world with healthy and wonderful citizens for the betterment of the society.” 

Fr Patrick Rodrigues, director of FMCI, in his presidential address called upon, all those present, to create awareness among the people.   He said “In Karnataka, only 45% of the mothers breast feed their children within one hour of their birth.”  Therefore, he appealed to the audience to be aware within the self about these facts and spread the same to other women in rural areas. 

An audio visual presentation was made to make the audience aware of the realities, benefits and myths about breastfeeding.

Prema D'Souza, vice-principal of College of Nursing, proposed the vote of thanks.  The programme was attended by the faculty, HODs and large number of students.