Importance of breastfeeding  strongly emphasized in view of covid 19 pandemic  

Ludhiana: ‘World Breastfeeding Week’ is held every year from 1st August to 7th August. In view of it, Senior Residents of Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology at DMCH, Ludhiana conducted online presentation in front of their respective faulty members.

According to the speakers, it is a well-established fact that ‘breastfeeding’ an infant for atleast two years after his/her birth is very important to strengthen immune system and develop effective antibodies to protect him from various infections.
Some of the interesting facts shared by the faculty and residents in view of importance of ‘Breast Feeding’ pertaining to  COVID 19 pandemic include:- 1) Pregnant women are not much prone to COVID-19 infections than other healthy persons, 2) COVID 19 infection during pregnancy has not been shown to effect foetus adversely, 4) Coronavirus is not found is breast milk, 5) Breast milk is found to contain antibody to corona or immunoglobins & 6) Even if the baby gets infected, serious illness due to COVID 19 has not been reported so far.

Doctors emphasized that even if mother is COVID positive then, also breastfeeding the child will not affect a child.    
Dr Puneet Aulakh Pooni (Professor & Head of Pediatrics) and Dr Ashima Taneja (Professor & Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology) appreciated the efforts of residents and other faculty members of both the departments in organizing this online awareness session. 

Department of Pediatrics has facility of lactation counsellors who guide patients to give proper ‘breastfeeding’ tips and answering their queries about an infant baby care.