Celebration of World Breast Feeding Week By AMDA MCHP
On the occasion of World Breast Feeding Week, Maternal and Child Health Project (MCHP) Gadhawa, Dang conducted a demonstration cum interaction session about breastfeeding at Gadhawa health post on 5th August 2019. It was the first among four targeted events of a month long breast feeding week celebration program of MCHP which aimed at promoting breasting feeding among mothers of under two years children presenting at EPI clinic of health post for vaccinating their child.
During the event group of every 6-8 women lining-up for vaccination were escorted to a demonstration cum interaction room where hand-made posters on importance of breastfeeding, physiology behind breast milk production, correct position and latching process, effective breastfeeding technique and its indication and comparative advantages of breastfeeding over alternative feeding were displayed.  Participants were imparted with key messages by Community Health Mobilizers (CHM) explaining the contents of posters on display. Demonstration materials about position and latching techniques and contents of human and alternative milk were used as a prop to aid the interaction. Timing of each session and vaccination was coordinated with health post staff beforehand, according to which mother and/or their attendee had their child vaccinated after the completion of session. Since interactions were scheduled to occupy the waiting time, vaccination was not interrupted throughout the event.
Altogether 71 mothers and/or their attendee (10 male and 61 female) participated in the event. Health coordinator from Gadhawa Gaunpalika, Chairperson ward-6, field supervisor and social mobilizer from Suaahara, FCHVs and health staffs of Gadhawa health post also had their valued presence during the event who appreciated the effort of targeting mothers at EPI clinic and preparing relevant IEC materials for the occasion. Participants on the other hand, were affirmative about the event and stated that the session refreshed as well as enhanced their knowledge on breastfeeding. Few of them were even eager to share their learning with others in their neighborhood.