In 2024 August on world breastfeeding week!
It wasn’t one week it was the beginning of the continuous journey on which mothers love and care flows with breeze. On bloomy August, the river flows one side, people in the field, green paddy swaying with cold wind and cloud draped skies, we! group of residents, CRRIs, field workers and health care workers visited Anganwadi centres in our rural field practice area. Our important goal was to share and provide knowledge, support and empower mothers with the tools to make informed decisions about breastfeeding so that we conducted health talks and demonstrated breastfeeding positions using a baby doll, making it easier for mothers to understand the importance of latching, posture, and comfort.
LATCH WITH CARE, CATCH BABY’S STARE!
We gathered members of the community, including antenatal and postnatal mothers, women of reproductive age, adolescent girls, and supportive family members. During the session, we began discussing importance of breastfeeding, benefits to mother and child, breastfeeding positions “how a baby is held” during breastfeeding and importance of latching.
One young mother voice from the crowd carried both love and doubt
She asked that “shall I give water in between the breastfeed”, “Paalu ichche madhyalo neellu ivvacha?” it reflected the traditional practices and unanswered questions passed down through generations.
With gentle words and reassuring smiles, our team addressed their questions, clearing doubts and building confidence.
WITH EVERY STORY WE LEARN TO CARE!
In a Anganwadi centre during story telling session for mothers
Mother with sad and slow voice told that “Yes doctor what ur telling is true ! baby’s position is important during breastfeed!”, “Avunu doctor garu, meeru cheppinadi nijame! Palu icche samayam Io biddaki position chala mukhyam!”
Right position, safe nutrition: prevent aspiration, spread inspiration!
She started the story with one warm afternoon,” she began slow and softly, “I was speaking with my neighbour, a young mother of a 6-month-old baby. We were sharing simple joys with food, family, and baby milestones. Suddenly, her baby cried.
Without any word, she rushed inside to breastfeed. I waited outside, listening to the silence that followed.
But what came next… none of us were ready to digest!
She was unaware that baby’s head should be slightly elevated of the position while feeding, “the baby had been immediately breastfed during crying and lying flat during breastfeeding”
Moments later, she screamed.
That baby turned blue, difficulty in breathing. The baby had aspirated the milk. She panicked and didn’t know what to do. She tried tapping the baby’s back. By the time help arrived… it was too late.
Life was lost, not due to illness, not due to accident, due to lack of awareness!
She held her baby tight and crying
‘If only someone had told me how to hold her…’
We paused for a moment of silence, feeling the big loss to her
We demonstrated the correct breast-feeding position
- The baby should be semi upright
- Never feed lying flat, especially when the baby is sleepy or sick
- The mother should support the baby’s head and neck well, ensuring the baby’s nose is free to breathe
- After feeding, burping and placing the baby on the left side helps digestion and prevents aspiration
A young mother, Priya, stood up and said,
“I used to lie down and feed my baby at night. I didn’t know it could be dangerous. From today, I’ll be more careful.” We could see the change. One loss became a lesson for many. Through awareness, we transformed fear into empowerment.
We reminded them:
“Breastfeeding is powerful, but safe feeding is lifesaving.”
We left the Anganwadi centre not just with stories shared—but with lives protected
EMPOWERING MOTHERS, SAVING LIVES WITH HEALTH EDUCATION
Our World Breastfeeding Week visit wasn’t just about talking, competition, it was about building confidence, trust, and safety. The heartbreaking loss of a baby to aspiration reminded us why awareness matters. But that day became a turning point. We broke myths, answered fears, and gave mothers strength to trust themselves. We didn’t just share the knowledge, we sparked a supportive community, where every mother could feed with love, and every baby could grow with care.
Acknowledgement
Guided by: Dr Rajeev Aravindakshan, Head of the Department, CFM department, AIIMS Mangalagiri
Centre in charge (Rural): Dr Arti Gupta, Associate Professor, CFM Department, AIIMS Mangalagiri
