Patna. The government has launched a new ambitious scheme to improve the health of mothers and infants in Bihar. 328 breastfeeding corners will be set up in government hospitals and health centers in the state to provide facilities to mothers to feed their babies in a safe and comfortable manner.
The main objective of this initiative is to provide clean, private and safe environment to mothers in health institutions. To ensure that mothers do not experience any hesitation or discomfort during breastfeeding, these corners will have comfortable chairs, adequate lighting, ventilation and facilities for water and hand washing.
Health department officials said that breast feeding corners have already been made in medical colleges, sadar and sub-divisional hospitals of the state. Now this facility is being extended to primary health centres.
Experts say that exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of birth is extremely essential for the health and development of the baby. However, many mothers feel uncomfortable breastfeeding due to lack of suitable facilities in hospitals and public places. Through the new initiative, mothers will get psychological and physical support, which will help in increasing the duration and continuity of breastfeeding.
The scheme is in line with the goals of the National Nutrition Mission and maternal-child health programmes. Its objective is to reduce malnutrition in infants, increase immunity and improve the health of mothers. Health experts believe that this initiative will not only improve the quality of health services, but will also contribute significantly to building a women-sensitive and supportive health system.
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