Breast Feeding CME Report

On Thursday, 2nd August 2018 the Bengal Obstetric & Gynaecological Society partnered with UNICEF to host a program ‘Breast Feeding – Foundation of Life’ at Swami Dayananda Hall, Ramkrishna Mission SevaPratisthan and VIMS, Kolkata. The aim was to educate, create awareness and sensitise participants on early initiation of breast feeding and inspire them to work towards removing barriers to breast feeding especially in the private sector.

The program had 195 participants. 160 of which were senior nursing staff and hospital administrators from 15 medical institutions in Kolkata.

Dr. Shashi Panja, Minister in Charge, Dept of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Govt of West Bengal delivered the keynote address. After a stimulating symposium and a lively debate on whether ‘Breast feeding is losing importance’, the program ended with a panel discussion on ‘Addressing barriers to breast feeding in the private sector’.

Dr.Hemasree K, a paediatrician from Hyderabad and Dr.Mugdha Joshi, alactation consultant from Mumbai were the ex-city faculties invited for the program. Dr. Parbati Sengupta, State Coordinator, BPNI,Dr.MadhumitaDobe from the Institute of All India Public Health and Hygiene, Dr.KaninikaMitra, Health Specialist from the UNICEF West Bengal Office and Ms Ruma Banerjee, Administrator at Bhagirathi Neotia Hospital were other non-gynae faculty who were a part of the event.

There was good interaction between the nursing fraternity and the society members. The fellowship was enhanced by freezing the moment at the photo zone specially created for the occasion by clicking pictures and uploading the images on social media thereby supporting the cause of breast feeding. The President and Secretary thanked the members for working towards making the event a successful one.