Breastfeeding week draws to a close

PGMI principal says mother’s milk acts as a shield for the child

LAHORE: There is dire need to promote breastfeeding in the country and steps should be taken to set up areas in offices to facilitate working women.

This was stated by Post Graduate Medical Institute Principal Dr Sardar Alfareed Zafar. He expressed these views in his message on International Breastfeeding Week marked between August 1 and 7 across the world.

Dr Zafar said that a mother’s milk becomes a shield for the child against a number of diseases. “All formula milk given to newborn babies cannot be an alternate to the mother’s milk because apart from good health, breastfeeding also strengthens the bond between the mother and child”.

He added that the latest scientific research has also proven the teachings of Islam regarding the importance of mother’s milk. “Breastfeeding is also a natural way of family planning.”

He said that in Pakistan, 40 per cent of children are facing a food shortage and the mother’s milk can help overcome this lacking.”All of us should take part in creating awareness on this important topic and motivate women to feed their newborn babies.”

Dr Zafar stressed it was high time to convince mothers to avoid packed dry milk or cow milk for their babies.

Meanwhile, under the aegis of the Paediatric Department of Lahore General Hospital, a workshop was also held to create awareness about the significance of breastfeeding. The event was organised by the Pakistan Paediatric Association Punjab. Dr Zafar was the chief guest of the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2019.