KARACHI: Regretting low breastfeeding rates in the country, speakers at a programme held at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) underscored the need for creating awareness about the practice, which, they said, not only benefited the child but also the mother and the economy.

The training session on breastfeeding saw a significant turnout and was addressed by seasoned gynaecologists and paediatricians.

Referring to the recently passed Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breast-Feeding and Young Child Nutrition Act, 2023, experts said the assembly had now passed the law, but the Quran had recommended mothers to breastfeed their children over a thousand years ago.

“In Islam, it’s mandatory for mothers to breastfeed their child immediately after birth. But there is a misconception that colostrum is unhealthy milk, which, in fact, provides the best nourishment to the child and protects him or her from various diseases, including heart disease and strokes, throughout their lives,” shared Principal Dr Zeba Haq of Dow International Medical College (DIMC).

The recently passed breastfeeding act in Sindh was based on Islamic law, which was revealed to us through the Quran, she added.

“Under this law, breastfeeding is mandatory for two years. It’s a natural law. The purpose of birth spacing is to ensure the good health of both the mother and the child,” she said.

DUHS medical superintendent Dr Jahan Ara emphasised that health practitioners must advocate for breastfeeding.

“It’s important that doctors discuss breast problems with mothers, as sore and infected nipples can affect babies’ feeding.”

According to her, immediate post-delivery care is essential, followed by initiating breastfeeding. Practitioners should also educate mothers about contraception practices along with breastfeeding, as it is necessary to space pregnancies.

Secretary-General of the Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA), Professor Khalid Shafique, appreciated the enactment of the breastfeeding law and said it was a challenging task as it was being opposed by a powerful group with vested interests.

He mentioned that over 3,000 individuals in Sindh had received training related to breastfeeding across various health sectors.

Prof Tazeen Fatima, Secretary-General of the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Pakistan (SOGP), said the first hour of a child’s birth was crucial and called the “golden hour” because if the mother’s milk was given during this time, it significantly improved the child’s health.

“The newborn must receive only mother’s milk at this time. Misconceptions about other types of milk adversely affect children’s health,” she said.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2023