Lucknow– In a major step towards promoting neonatal health, Veerangana Avantibai Mahila Hospital (Dufferin) has introduced a dedicated breastfeeding room where nurses will guide new mothers on how to safely feed their newborns immediately after birth.
The facility was inaugurated on Thursday by the hospital’s Chief Superintendent, Dr. Jyoti Mehrotra. She, along with CMS Dr. Ranjana Prasad, highlighted that most mothers are unable to breastfeed their infants right after delivery due to various reasons. As a result, newborns are often given top milk for 24 to 72 hours. “Feeding a newborn requires utmost care, as incorrect breastfeeding techniques can cause milk to enter the baby’s nasal or respiratory tract, leading to complications,” Dr. Prasad said.
Senior pediatrician Dr. Salman Khan stressed the importance of educating not only mothers but also female attendants of newborns, especially in cases where mothers are admitted to ICU or HDU for a day or two. “Proper guidance on the quantity and method of breastfeeding immediately after birth is crucial. This new room will serve as a space where nurses can demonstrate and train families on correct practices,” he said.
The breastfeeding unit has been established under the Ayushma Project of Ladies Circle India, with support from Lucknow Ladies Circle 84 and Lucknow Round Table 136. Present at the launch were Ladies Circle India Secretary Pragati Saxena, Lucknow Ladies Circle 84 Chairlady Arushi Pandey, Shireen Agarwal, and Siddharth Saxena, among others.
The initiative is expected to not only reduce breastfeeding-related risks but also empower mothers and families with essential knowledge, ensuring healthier beginnings for newborns.
