VYDEHI INSTITUTE OF NURSING SCIENCE AND RESEARCH CENTRE

#82, EPIP Area, Nallurahalli, Whitefield, Bangalore- 560066.

Date: 1 Aug -5 Aug

Organizer: Department of Child Health Nursing.

INTRODUCTION

World Breastfeeding Week 2023: World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to August 7. The day is celebrated in a total of 120 countries. It is a joint collaboration of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), the World Health Organization and UNICEF which aims to emphasize breastfeeding for the first six months of a newborn. World Health Organisation advocates for improved practices to curb workplace-related breastfeeding issues and disparity. Along with the help and support of UNICEF and Ministry of Health and civil society partners, the organisation aims to provide support to lactating women irrespective of boundaries, level and organisation. As per the official website of WHO, “ This year’ s theme will focus on breast feeding and work, providing a strategic opportunity to advocate for essential maternity rights t hat support breastfeeding –maternity leave for a minimum of 18 weeks, ideally more than 6 months, and workplace accommodations after this point. These areurgent issues for ensuring women can breastfeed as long as they wish to do so:more than half a billion working women are not given basic maternity provisions; many more find themselves unsupported when they go back to work.”World Breastfeeding Week 2023 (WBW2023) will focus on making a difference for working parents.

World Breastfeeding Week 2023: Key Messages

The key messages by WHO for World Breastfeeding Week 2023 are:

Women shouldn’ t have to choose between breastfeeding their children and

their jobs. Breastfeeding support is possible regardless of workplace, sector, or

contract type. Legislating at least 18 weeks, preferably more than 6 months, of paid

maternity leave Ensuring employers provide paid time off and a dedicated space for

breastfeeding or expressing milk after this period

Ensuring all women have access to maternity entitlements, including those in

the informal sector or on limited contractsTackling employment-related discrimination against women, including during

and after pregnancy and birth.

All women everywhere – no matter their work – should have

o At least 18 weeks, preferably more than 6 months, paid maternity leave;

o Paid time off for breastfeeding or expressing milk upon returning to work;

o Flexible return to work options.

Some interesting facts about Breastfeeding Week

A female body is ready to feed the baby just after the child is born. Colostrum, the first

thick and yellow milk is a superfood for infants. Oxytocin, a hormone released during

breastfeeding helps both the mother and child to reduce stress and connect emotionally.

Breastfeeding helps in the growth of healthy gut bacteria which later helps in a healthy

immune system for life.The antibodies in breast milk help babies fight seasonal infections.

A nursing woman burns between 500-600 calories a day. Breast milk can be of different

colours including yellow, blue, green, pink and orange. Lactating mother is less prone to

breast cancer, ovarian cancer, heart disease, stroke and postpartum depression type-2

disease.

So, World Breastfeeding Week is an event to emphasise the value of breast milk. Also,

the day advocated improving the health of babies and promoting, protecting and

supporting the right of women to breastfeed with a second thought.

OBJECTIVES OF #WBW2023

1) INFORM people about working parents’ perspectives on breastfeeding and parenting.

2)ANCHORoptimalpaidleaveandworkplacesupportasimportanttoolstoenablebreastfeeding.

3)ENGAGE with individuals and organizations to enhance collaboration and support for

breastfeedingatwork.

4)GALVANISEactiononimprovingworkingconditionsandrelevantsupportforbreastfeeding.DATE

PROGRAMME DETAILS

DAY 1:- 1/08/2023
To bring out the best & to enhance the knowledge & awareness among the students Poster Competition was organized in the College. The main focus of this was the theme of this year. “ Enabling Breast feeding, Making the Difference for Working Parents.” In competition 8 students has participated , among 3 students has won the prize. Also Slogan making competition and it was on theme based & 15 students had submitted their Slogans & among them 3 won the prizes.

DAY- 2 (02/08/2023)
To promote the awareness regarding Universal Breast Feeding Week among the parents & especially mothers as well, roleplay was enacted in Pediatric Ward, Vydehi Hospital. Therole paly was carried out in Hindi by GNM 2nd year students & in Kannada by B.Sc 3rd year students. All parents in the ward along with their newborns have attended the program me. Students involved the topic like breast feeding its benefits, positions, techniques, advantages, disadvantages & contraindications &atlastthey giveanoverviewon breast feeding theme.

DAY 3- (03/08/2023)

Panel discussion was conducted by B.Sc 3rd & PBBSC 1st students on the theme. “ Enabling breast feeding, Making the difference for working Parents” . They discussed major points related to importance of breast feeding & related concerns for the lactating mothers & myths developed by the society. They involved audience to participate & raise questions to clarify their doubts on this platform. Principal Mam also addresses the students with her knowledge.

DAY 3- (04/08/2023)

Quiz Competition was also organized on the same day among the Students of B.Sc 3rd , GNM 2nd & PBBSc 1st year & they all participated actively. The topic given for the Quiz is ‘ Breast feeding & related topics’ . There were 11 groups formed. Each group had 10 students in their group & had their participation, among those 3 groups won & secured the prizes. Quiz has 4 rounds involving MCQ, True False, One word response & ends with Visual round. Students enthusiasm & interest made the program me successful.

DAY- 4 (04/08/2023)

An exhibition was conducted on the Breast Feeding Week in Hospital lobby of VIMS & RC. In this 8 exhibits were displayed their models based on Breast feeding theme 2023 & was prepared by B.Sc 3rd,GNM 2nd & PBBSC 1st year students. Models focused basically on active involvement of working parents in Breast feeding & how working mother managed herself for breast feeding at work place.

DAY- 5 (05/08/2023)

The Valedictory programme was conducted on the last day as a Closing ceremony for all the events organized on World Breast feeding Week. Also to enrich our students for their achievements through prizes & to appreciate them. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Jasmine Joseph, Principal, VINS &RC, Dr. B.M Shivalingappa, HOD, Pediatric Dept. VIMS & RC, Prof. Mrs. Rani Paul, HOD, Paed. Dept. VINS &RC. Then it followed with Welcome Speech by Mrs. Rachita Anthony , Associate Professor, Child Health Nursing Department. & to welcome our Distinguished guests. There was report presentation on Breast Feeding Celebration by Prof. Rani Paul , HOD, VINS &RC. Our respected guest Dr. B.M. Shivlingappa address the students with his valuable and abreast knowledge, experience on Breast Feeding, Breast Milk importance , its Myths & contraindications along with the Survey data. After that Principal Mam of VINS &RC shared her thoughts. At last rewards to the students.