Breastfeeding awareness took a more interactive turn at Sharda Hospital as its Department of Paediatrics marked World Breastfeeding Week 2026 with a week-long programme combining patient counselling, student competitions, expert lectures and community-oriented awareness activities.
Observed from August 1 to 7 under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” the initiative focused on an important challenge in infant healthcare, turning awareness into informed and sustained breastfeeding practices.
The programme brought together mothers, expectant mothers, families, nurses, MBBS students, interns and postgraduate residents, creating a platform where breastfeeding was discussed not only as a clinical subject but as a shared responsibility involving the entire family and healthcare ecosystem.
The celebrations began with a Skit Competition on August 3 at Sharda Hospital. Students from the 2022 MBBS Batch, interns and postgraduate students of Paediatrics used theatre and storytelling to address breastfeeding myths, misconceptions and the importance of family support. The performances made complex health messages relatable and engaging for the audience.
The initiative continued with Breastfeeding Counselling Sessions in the Paediatrics and Gynaecology OPDs on August 4 and 5, where mothers and family members received practical guidance on early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding, colostrum, demand feeding, positioning and attachment, along with an opportunity to discuss their individual concerns with healthcare professionals.
A Poster Competition on August 6, involving nurses, MBBS students and interns, further turned breastfeeding advocacy into a creative exercise. This was followed by a debate competition by postgraduate residents of the Department of Paediatrics, encouraging evidence-based discussion on contemporary breastfeeding issues.
The week also featured guest lectures by Dr. Ruchi Rai, Dr. Ruchira Maheshwari and Dr. S. S. Bisht, bringing expert perspectives to the programme.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Rajeev Kumar Thapar, Professor & Head, Department of Paediatrics, Sharda Hospital, said, “Breastfeeding awareness cannot remain limited to advice given after delivery. Mothers need support before, during and after childbirth, and families need to understand their role as well. Through this week’s activities, we wanted to create conversations around breastfeeding that are practical, evidence-based and relevant to everyday challenges faced by mothers.”
Brig. Dr. Ram Murti Sharma, Medical Superintendent, Sharda Hospital, further added, “Healthcare is most effective when knowledge reaches beyond the hospital and becomes part of everyday family practices. The enthusiasm of our students and healthcare teams during these activities reflects our commitment to taking important maternal and child health messages to the community in meaningful and engaging ways.”
