City-based Rao Hospital celebrated the World Breastfeeding Week with an interactive awareness session. Jointly organised by the Rotary Club of Coimbatore Aakruthi, Inner Wheel Club of Coimbatore District 320 and Rao Hospital, it was attended by many young parents and grandparents. The World Breastfeeding Week is observed from August 1 to 7.

“This year’s theme is on raising awareness of the links between breastfeeding and the sustainable development goals. Breastfeeding is a key to sustainable development, we will value our well being from the start of life, respect each other and care for the world we share.” Dr Asha Rao, Director, Rao Hospital, said.

In her presentation on various stages of a woman’s life, Dr. Deepika explained the health issues that women deal with at every stage. “A teenager goes through physiological problems. Obesity, menstruation and emotional problems are the most common troubles that a teenage girl faces. Every woman must take precaution keeping hygiene in mind during her menstruation period. It is important to have a hygienic period.” she said.

While a woman in her 30s is prone to stress related diseases and disorders, a woman in her 40s can experience high or low blood pressure or diabetes. Women who are in their 50s experience menopause. “Eat a balanced nutritious diet. Indulge in physical activity of any kind and learn to manage stress,” Dr. Deepika said.

Dr. K. S. Krishnasamy, Consultant Pediatrics and Neonatalogy urged the audience about the importance of breastfeeding an infant. “There is a myth in our country that infants must be breastfed only till they are three to four months old. The attitude towards breastfeeding among women in our country must change. Secondly, mothers and grand-parents of the infant do not like it when their infant cries. So they feed the baby with baby food. However, research study has proven that breastfeeding a child can lead to sustainable development,” he said.