Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal organized a Symposium on “Support Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet” on 5th August 2020, from 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm as part of ‘World Breastfeeding Week- 2020’ for the students of Manipal College of Nursing and Staff Nurses of Kasturba Hospital Manipal. The sessions were delivered through Microsoft team’s virtual platform.

Dr Mamatha S Pai, Professor, Department of Child Health Nursing delivered the first session on the World Breastfeeding Week theme “Support Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet”. She highlighted on the theme and emphasized the importance of breastfeeding, optimal infant feeding, early initiation of breastfeed, disadvantages of artificial feeding and breastfeeding concerns during Covid 19. Also, the detrimental effects on breast milk substitutes on the environment and the protective role of breastfeeding on the environment was highlighted.

The second session was taken by Mrs Binu Margaret, Assistant Professor-Selection Grade, Department of Child Health Nursing on the production and intake of breast milk, positioning, attachment and Expression of Breast milk. The session highlighted the influence of prolactin and oxytocin hormone on breast milk production, correct techniques of feeding the baby, signs of good attachment and how to express and store breast milk. Videos shown on technique of breastfeeding, positioning and expression of breast milk enabled to the participants to get in-depth knowledge about the topic.

The third session was discoursed by Mrs Anjalin D’Souza, Assistant Professor-Selection Grade, Department of Child Health Nursing on the Breast conditions. She highlighted on the different breast conditions with examples and their management. This gave insight to the participants how to identify the breast problems at an early stage and manage them effectively.

The participants clarified their doubts in the question and answer session and expressed that the sessions were useful and beneficial. The session was attended by 105 students and staff nurses.