KARACHI, Aug 6: Speakers at a seminar on “Healthy mothers and healthy babies” at Aga Khan University auditorium here on Tuesday reiterated the need for exclusive breast-feeding for first six months of any child and continuation of lactation up to two years of age.

Prof Abdul Ghaffar Billoo and Prof D. S. Akram, Prof Rahat Qureishi and Dr Asif Aslam of UNICEF were speaking at the seminar, held in connection with international breast-feeding day.

He suggested equal consideration on part of concerned family members, health-care providers and policy-makers regarding the mentioned basic right of all mothers and infants.

It was regretted that conducive environment is yet to be created to strengthen the practice as not more than 20 per cent of the mothers in the country could be registered practising “exclusive breast-feeding”.

Although the concept of Baby Friendly Hospitals had gained significance momentum in the country for last 10 years, particularly in Sindh, it was observed that since large majority of deliveries were conducted at home, hence community as a whole had to be involved and motivated.

Speakers keeping in view their professional experience also referred to the problems, particularly faced by working women in lactating their babies. It was suggested that pragmatic modifications be made in the working conditions, with particular reference to the issue of maternity leave. Obligatory implementation of the same on private institutions was also sought.

Dr. Rahat Qureishi discussing “An International Perspective on Breast Feeding Week” (Aug 1 to Aug 7) referred to the need for change in the focus, with major emphasis on health of mothers.

Mehrunisa Ahsan in her presentation referred to the reproductive rights of women.

She also mentioned benefits of the practice for the infants which included their protection against acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea and malnutrition. These were besides strong bondage between mother and child, improved IQ levels, strong physical and emotional personality of those lactated by their mothers during crucial phase of their lives.

Dr. D. S. Akram in her key-note address mentioned Pakistan to be among the first of the few countries to start the Baby Friendly Initiative. It was also reminded that Sindh has managed to get declared 63 of its hospitals as babyfriendly. A total of 68 such institutions exist across the country.

The very concept of Baby Friendly has been introduced and practised in its true spirit at these hospitals, she said mentioning that not only absolute emphasis is laid on adequate management of exclusive breast feeding and maternal lactation but total ban on availability of formula milk is also imposed, within the hospital premises.

With the view to involve community a help-line has also been introduced. She also referred to efforts made to chalk out proper curriculum for master trainers, physicians and para-medics respectively to make the exercise meaningful.

A panel discussion participated by working mothers, their spouse and in-laws was also part of the programme. The participants referred to their respective experiences and support extended to them by their family members.—APP