ZCZC
BSS-04
BRESTFEEDING-RANGPUR (with picture)
Mother’s first milk increases baby’s immunity: experts
RANGPUR, Aug 8, 2018 (BSS) – Health experts at a discussion with local
journalists here have said the first milk (shawl milk) of mother increases
baby’s immunity as the first and most effective vaccine in life after birth.
“It is possible to reduce risk of infant death by 31 percent by providing
first milk that contains antibodies which increase disease resistant capacity
and reduce risk of jaundice of baby,” said Divisional Director (Health) Dr Md
Mostafizar Rahman.
He was addressing the discussion on “Benefits of mother’s milk, harmful
aspects of powdered milk, breast-milk substitutes, child foods, commercially-
manufactured infant foods and its use tools (marketing control) Act, 2013”
held at the Civil Surgeon’s conference room on Tuesday as the chief guest.
The Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
organised the discussion in observance of the World Breastfeeding Week- 2018
with assistance of Bangladesh Brest Feeding Foundation (BBF) and World Food
Programme.
With Civil Surgeon of Rangpur Dr Abu Md Zakirul Islam in the chair,
Assistant Divisional Director (Health) Dr Md Mahbub Hassan addressed the
discussion as the special guest.
Rangpur BBF Assistant Programme Manger Nutritionist Khadijatul Kobra
delivered the keynote speech in the discussion moderated by Rangpur
Divisional Officer of BBF Md Maidul Islam.
Kobra highlighted benefits of breast milk and harmful effects of feeding
powder milk to infants.
“Feeding artificially produced powdered milk causes frequent diarrhea, ear
acne and shortness of breath, dermatitis, malnutrition, chronic diseases,
decreased intelligence, bleeding, osteoporosis, obesity and even death to
infants,” she said.
She also said proper breast-feeding decreases the risk of breast cancer and
uterus cancer for mother.
Kobra added “Artificial infant foods are being sold by advertising,
leaflets as well as prescribing by some doctors to attract public,” saying it
was the responsibility of media to make the people aware of it.
The chief guest urged the media to make mothers aware of severe
consequences of feeding artificially prepared foods to kids and motivate them
in breastfeeding to build a healthier and talented nation.
BSS/MI/GMR/1200 hrs