News & Events

• According to the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative, India currently ranks 79th globally with a score of 45.0 in successful breastfeeding rates.
• The CME was aimed at raising awareness on breastfeeding, and about it’s sound scientific/medical foundation.

Chennai, 16th July 2023: In order to raise awareness on the sound scientific/ medical foundation of breastfeeding, Kauvery Hospital Alwarpet and Happy Mom organized a program on Indian Breastfeeding Practices. The program was launched by Dr T S Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health, Government of Tamil Nadu. The event was also held in observance of World Breastfeeding Week 2023, and the theme for this year is “Enabling Breastfeeding – Making a difference for Working Parents.

Awareness of the benefits from Breastfeeding and taking advantage of them play a crucial role in shaping the future, and well-being of a nation, making it one of the smartest investments a country can make on its people . In line with this, the World Health Assembly (WHA) has set a target to increase the global prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life from the current baseline of 37 percent to at least 50 percent by 2025. However, this target should be seen as a starting point rather than an endgame.

“Recognizing the evolving nature of healthcare, we aim to provide assistance and support throughout the natural physiological process, from conception to birth. As part of this commitment, we shall endeavor to raise awareness about breastfeeding, its foundation in both medicine and science, and promoting successful breastfeeding practices,” says Dr. Jayashree Jayakrishnan, Lactation Consultant.

According to the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative, India currently ranks 79th globally, with a score of 45.0 in successful breastfeeding rates, while the neighboring countries are leading the way in the top five ranks globally. “In Tamil Nadu we have around 9.6 lakh child delivery in a year, and Tamil Nadu has achieved an encouraging exclusive breastfeeding rate of 55.1%, according to National Family Health Survey 5. However the remaining population still remains a challenge as this further leads to malnutrition in children. In children less than 5 years of age – 25 % are stunted, and 22 % underweight. This indicates bigger challenge, and the most critical, feasible intervention to improve this is breastfeeding. The journey of a mother needs to be looked into at every phase, including pregnancy and ante natal care. Currently, the lactation consultations are provided in customized manner, but it needs to expand to a larger population. Assurance from practitioners to mothers is important, as they will feel confident and educated. Events such as this needs to be conducted in a continuous manner for a wider impact. I appreciate Kauvery Hospital and Happy Mom for organizing this conference that will help educate and raise awareness on breastfeeding, thereby building a better future,” said Dr T S Selvavinayagam.

The conference was enriched by the contributions from esteemed resource persons from various disciplines who shared their expertise on the factors that contribute to the “Delayed onset of Lactogenesis.” The conference also addressed the usage of “GALACTOGOGUES’, also known as lactation inducers, as an established tradition in both cultural and medical contexts. Safe usage of galactogogues was discussed, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches and expert opinions.

Speaking about the event, Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director Kauvery Hospital says, “Investing in policies and educational programs that better support women in breastfeeding is essential for rapid progress. Through this initiative, we aim to promote and enhance the understanding of breastfeeding practices in India, empowering healthcare professionals and families with the latest knowledge and research. Fostering a culture of breastfeeding support shall contribute to healthier and happier generations.”