Observing the World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week celebrated annually from August 1st to 7th, is a global campaign to raise awareness and galvanize action on themes related to breastfeeding. It aims to highlight the critical importance of breastfeeding for the health and well-being of both infants and mothers and to promote and support breastfeeding practices worldwide.
The Carrier Guidance Unit (CGU) of the Faculty of Indigenous Medicine was organized this special event in collaboration with the Department of Ayurveda Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics and BAMS undergraduates. The event was planned to increase awareness among the public about the benefits of breastfeeding, enhance understanding of Ayurvedic practices related to breastfeeding and empowerment of mothers with knowledge and skills to breastfeed successfully.
Event was successfully completed with a role play activity highlighting the importance of breast feeding, myths of breast feeding covering the Do’s and Don’ts of breast-feeding. The role play activity provided students with a practical understanding of the importance of breastfeeding, allowing them to address common myths and misconceptions. It equipped them with essential knowledge about the do’s and don’ts of breastfeeding, enabling them to educate and support mothers more effectively in clinical settings.
Further, herbal porridge distribution was done for the pregnant mothers by the members of Department of Ayurveda Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics.
The event was conducted on 30th August 2024, at the Maternity clinic, Vanatamulla, targeting the pregnant and breast-feeding mothers in the clinic. It was coordinated by Dr. (Mrs.) R L Y U Rathnayaka and Dr. (Mrs.) WKBDS Fernando under the guidance of the Dean, Professor Pathirage Kamal Perera, Dr. (Mrs.) RHSK de Silva – Coordinator, Career Guidance Unite and Dr. (Mrs.) KPKR Karunagoda, Head of the Department of Ayurveda Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo.