An ASHA worker conducts a breastfeeding awareness session with a mother, child and family members during World Breastfeeding Week observance in Mon district.
Mon, August 7 (MExN): The District Health Society (DHS), Mon, observed World Breastfeeding Week 2026 from August 1 to 7 across all blocks of the district, focusing on promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving awareness of optimal infant and young child feeding practices.
The observance was held under the theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works." ASHAs and other healthcare workers conducted awareness activities across villages, particularly targeting communities where misconceptions and traditional infant-feeding practices remain prevalent.
According to the DHS, some families in remote areas continue to introduce soups, semi-solid foods and water to infants before six months of age. In some cases, mothers reportedly begin complementary feeding as early as the third or fourth month due to the need to return to agricultural work.
To address these practices, ASHAs conducted door-to-door awareness campaigns and counselled mothers, fathers, grandparents and other family members on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. Families were also sensitised on initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth and continuing breastfeeding up to two years and beyond, along with appropriate complementary feeding.
The campaign also stressed the importance of involving elderly family members, who often play a significant role in childcare decisions, in order to address traditional practices and encourage sustained behavioural change.
As part of the district-level observance, a focused group discussion was held on August 4 at District Hospital, Mon, for mothers admitted for delivery and their attendants. The session was led by Dr Wungyong Konyak, District Programme Officer (RCH & UIP), and Dr Chimang Paul, Paediatrician, District Hospital Mon.
The resource persons provided counselling on early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, proper breastfeeding techniques, maternal nutrition and the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child.
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) team from the Department of Social Welfare also participated in the programme and distributed nutritional gift packages to newly delivered mothers. The initiative highlighted the importance of maternal and child nutrition and interdepartmental cooperation in promoting maternal and child health.
The DHS said the week-long campaign helped increase awareness on exclusive breastfeeding, address myths and misconceptions, and encourage families to adopt healthier infant-feeding practices. It added that community-based education and counselling would continue across the district to improve breastfeeding practices and promote better health outcomes for children and mothers.
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