World Breastfeeding Week observed at DMC&H

Ludhiana, August 7, 2025: The Departments of Paediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynaecology DMC&H in collaboration with the ‘Ludhiana Academy of Paediatrics’ and the ‘Satluj Neonatology Forum’ observed World Breastfeeding Week with the theme of ‘Prioritize Breastfeeding create sustainable Support Systems’ by organizing a declamation contest for postgraduate students from both departments. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding among young healthcare professionals.
Faculty members from both departments graced the occasion, including Dr. Puneet Pooni, Professor & Head, Department of Paediatrics; Dr. Deepak Bhat, Dr. G.S. Dhooria, Dr. Kamaldeep Arora, Dr. Karambir Gill, and Dr. Sumati Verma.
From the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology included Dr. Ashima Taneja, Professor & Head, along with Dr. Suman Puri, Dr. Sunil Juneja, Dr. Pooja Tondon, Dr. Muskan Gupta, and Dr. Surbhi Handa.
The Department of Dietetics and the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, DMC&H, also conducted an awareness talk for the general public at the Urban Health Centre (UHC) Shimlapuri and at the OPD Block of DMC&H. The sessions focused on promoting awareness regarding maternal nutrition, balanced diet, and women's health.
Sh. Bipin Gupta, Secretary, DMC&H Managing Society, and Dr GS Wander, Principal, DMC&H appreciated the collaborative efforts of both departments and remarked, “Promoting breastfeeding through educational activities strengthens our institutional mission of preventive healthcare and community awareness.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ashima Taneja highlighted, “Breastfeeding is not just a maternal instinct, it is a public health priority. Through such initiatives, we aim to empower future healthcare professionals to advocate and support breastfeeding as the cornerstone of child survival, growth and development. She also shared the launch of a dedicated Lactation Support Clinic at DMC&H to provide continuous guidance and assistance to breastfeeding mothers.
Dr. Puneet Pooni stated  that, “Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months can save countless lives. We must continue to educate, support, and promote breastfeeding practices both within the medical community and the general public.
Dr Kamal Arora and Dr Karambir S Gill (Treasurer NNF, Punjab) highlighted need to promote breast feeding practices at community level and emphasised need for integrating breastfeeding counselling and support .
Winners from the Paediatrics Department included Dr. Ritvik Garg, Dr. Pratibha, Dr. Hriday, and Dr. Deepanshi, while Dr. Guntas, Dr. Manjot, Dr. Shaina, Dr. Jaspreet, Dr. Savneet, and Dr. Akriti were the winners from the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department.