Breastfeeding room inaugurated at Chamba medical college

On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week that is celebrated from August 1 to August 7, a dedicated breastfeeding room was inaugurated at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba, by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Bipen Thakur on Friday. The facility is aimed at supporting lactating mothers by providing a private, comfortable and secure space to breastfeed their infants.

Dr Thakur said any breastfeeding mother could use the room to feed her child with dignity and in privacy. He emphasised that due to long waiting hours at the hospital, many infants were unable to receive timely breastfeeding. To address this concern, the room had been established with the support of Mamta Foundation, Chamba.

Highlighting the importance of maternal health, Dr Thakur advised lactating mothers to consume at least four balanced meals a day and breastfeed their infants eight to 10 times daily. “Breastfeeding plays a vital role in the intellectual, physical and emotional development of the child, which in turn contributes to building a healthier and more productive future generation,” he added.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by District Health Officer Dr Kavita Mahajan, staff from the Health Department, and members of Mamta Foundation. World Breastfeeding Week is observed every year from August 1 to 7 in more than 120 countries. It is coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF, to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and to support mothers in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding for the well-being of both baby and mother.