Telangana Steps Up Breastfeeding Awareness Across State
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government has directed officials to organise extensive awareness programmes across the state during World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7). The campaign aims to educate mothers and families about the importance of breastfeeding.
Women and Child Welfare Minister Dr Danasari Anasuya Seethakka said breast milk is every child’s first right and the best natural source of nutrition. She said the first milk, known as colostrum, acts as a baby’s first vaccine and helps build strong immunity.
Exclusive breastfeeding for first six months
The minister urged mothers to start breastfeeding within one hour of childbirth. She said infants should receive only breast milk during the first six months of life. After that, parents should introduce age-appropriate complementary food while continuing breastfeeding until the child turns two.
Meanwhile, Seethakka asked officials to treat World Breastfeeding Week as a mass public awareness campaign instead of a routine government programme. She directed Anganwadi centres to organise awareness meetings, door-to-door campaigns and community outreach activities in villages and urban wards.
Hospitals to counsel mothers and families
The minister instructed Anganwadi teachers, helpers, supervisors, Women and Child Welfare officials, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Health Department staff to work together. She asked them to visit government and private hospitals and counsel pregnant women, new mothers, mothers of infants below six months and mothers of children below two years.
In addition, Seethakka urged officials to clear misconceptions about breastfeeding through scientific awareness. She also asked them to involve family members in counselling sessions so they can better support breastfeeding mothers.
Furthermore, the minister directed officials to coordinate with hospital staff and ensure that every newborn receives breast milk within one hour of birth. She said the Anganwadi system should lead breastfeeding promotion efforts. Every Anganwadi centre, she added, should serve as a guidance centre for maternal and child health.
Seethakka said the government’s goal is to build a malnutrition-free Telangana. She added that breastfeeding gives every child the strongest foundation for healthy growth and development.
Finally, the minister appealed to public representatives, doctors, women’s groups, Anganwadi workers, voluntary organisations and families to actively support World Breastfeeding Week. She urged everyone to help every mother breastfeed her child with confidence and care.
