Lucknow: In a major step towards strengthening breastfeeding support in healthcare facilities, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched India’s first Facility-Based Lactation Management (FBLM) Training Module for healthcare professionals. The initiative aims to enhance the capacity of doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers in promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding practices across the state.
The training module was formally launched on July 4 by Amit Kumar Ghosh, during a State-Level Training of Trainers (ToT) programme organized by the Directorate of Family Welfare under the National Health Mission. The programme received technical support from UNICEF and King George’s Medical University.
The pioneering training module was developed through the collaborative efforts of leading experts in newborn care and lactation management, including Prof. S. N. Singh, Prof. Shalini Tripathi, Prof. Anita Singh, and Prof. Pratima Anand.
A significant contribution to the scientific writing, technical development, and evidence-based content of the module was made by Prof. Anita Singh of the Department of Neonatology at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS). Drawing on her expertise in newborn nutrition, breastfeeding promotion, human milk banking, and facility-based newborn care, she helped develop practical training materials designed to strengthen lactation management skills among healthcare professionals.
The six-day State-Level ToT programme was conducted from June 29 to July 4, 2026, and brought together participants from 45 Lactation Management Units (LMUs) across Uttar Pradesh. The programme aimed to create a network of master trainers who will subsequently train healthcare providers at their respective institutions, ensuring the uniform implementation of evidence-based lactation management practices throughout the state.
The FBLM Training Module has been specifically designed to improve the knowledge and skills of healthcare personnel in supporting breastfeeding mothers, addressing common lactation challenges, and reducing unnecessary dependence on infant formula. The initiative is expected to strengthen breastfeeding practices within healthcare facilities and contribute to improved health outcomes for newborns and infants across Uttar Pradesh.
Health experts believe the launch of this innovative training module marks a significant milestone in maternal and newborn healthcare in the state. By equipping healthcare workers with standardized, evidence-based training, the programme is expected to play a crucial role in promoting optimal infant nutrition and supporting healthier beginnings for thousands of newborns and mothers in Uttar Pradesh.
