15 Aug 2011 • Health and nutrition Nepal

Nepal: "Talk to me! Breastfeeding - a 3D experience"

- Published by Darcissac, Marion

Adhering to the theme for 2011 “Talk to me! Breastfeeding – a 3D experience”, Chhimeki Sanstha Nepal, partner organization of Terre des hommes Foundation for its nutrition projects, celebrated this year’s World Breastfeeding Week with a series of events. Chhimeki team highlighted message on exclusive breastfeeding for mental and physical development of the child and as it a child’s right to survive.

Chhimeki Sanstha, with technical support from Tdh’s nutrition team, performed a street drama titled “Exclusive breastfeeding for six months by mobilizing youth groups and school children” at Basantapur Durbar Square, a historical heritage site located in the heart of Kathmandu city on 4th August, 2011. Similarly, a series of awareness campaigns were organized at nine different spots of the project areas of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and two spots of Rural Nutrition Project area of Banke District during the week.

As per the theme, the two dimensions are time (from pre-pregnancy to weaning) and place (the home, community, work place etc.). However, the third dimension (communication) is an integral element in promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding. Thus, the objective of the celebration was to make mothers, family members and health workers aware on the importance of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for six months by mobilizing youth groups and school children. Hundreds of people from the general mass including tourists flocked to see the event preceded by a Nepali dance to attract the general public.

In the street drama, a staff of Chhimeki, Gayatri, who plays the role of Chhimeki-trained volunteer meets two girls, Sarita and Kabita, and shares about the importance of breastfeeding with them. Sarita discloses to Gayatri that her sister-in-law who had just delivered a baby and was feeding milk other than her own as she was not lactating enough. Gayatri shares with them how and why exclusive breastfeeding is important for the healthy development of the child as well as for the wellbeing of the mother during her post-natal period. Sarita immediately visits her sister-in-law explains in detail about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and convinces her sister-in-law that exclusive breastfeeding is the only and the best feeding for the overall development of the child.

Similarly, with the support of trained volunteers, Chhimeki team advocated on importance of breastfeeding in public places, road, temple and school premises. Many mothers, fathers, professionals, youth groups and school-going children observed the programme with great interest. Among other arguments, the Chhimeki’s volunteers explained them that many mothers were not into breastfeeding due to the preference of feeding instant formula milk, busy professional life, concerned about one’s own physique and lack of clear government policy and private sector for the promotion of breast milk.

Since the breastmilk is rich of vitamins. minerals and antibodies, it contains enough food and water for six months baby; helps for mental and physical development of the child; increases the immune system of the child; and protect mother from breast and uterus cancer.

A total of 1,247 participants including 1,053 mothers, 51 fathers and 57 school children benefitted from the programme through mobilization of 86 active volunteers of Chhimeki and the Terre des hommes delegation.

Further information on the Tdh intervention in Nepal