INTRODUCTION:
The Breastfeeding Week Celebration – 2026 was organized to raise awareness about the significance of breastfeeding for mothers and newborns. The programme used interactive and educational activities to communicate essential breastfeeding practices, address common misconceptions, and emphasize the supportive role of families, communities and healthcare professionals.
OBJECTIVES:
•To create awareness about the importance of breastfeeding.
•To explain the nutritional and immunological benefits of breast milk.
•To promote awareness regarding exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
•To encourage students to spread correct breastfeeding information in the community.
•To develop creativity and communication skills among nursing students through educational activities.
•To emphasize the importance of family, community and healthcare support for breastfeeding mothers.
•To promote the message of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week theme.
PROGRAMME PROCEEDINGS:
Drama Presentation
A drama presentation on breastfeeding was conducted on 30th July 2026 at Smimmer Hospital. Students of 6th Semester B.Sc. Nursing and 1st Year P.B.B.Sc. Nursing participated actively. 21 students participated in drama. The drama focused on early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, benefits of colostrum, proper breastfeeding practices and common misconceptions. After completed the programmed gift is given to all drama participants by SPACT. The activity also highlighted the important role of nurses in educating and supporting breastfeeding mothers.
Key educational messages:
•Importance of early initiation of breastfeeding.
•Importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
•Benefits of colostrum.
•Proper breastfeeding practices.
•Identification and correction of common misconceptions.
Chart Exhibition and pamphlet distribution
A breastfeeding chart exhibition and pamphlet distribution was conducted on 30th July 2026 at Smimmer Hospital. Students prepared and presented educational charts and interacted with mothers by answering their queries and providing guidance on breastfeeding strategies.
Topics covered:
•2026 theme of Breastfeeding Week.
•Golden rules of breastfeeding.
•Benefits of breastfeeding for babies, mothers and nations.
•Breastfeeding myths versus facts.
•Breastfeeding techniques.
•Pre- and post-care for breastfeeding.
•Common breastfeeding problems.
•Good and bad latching.
•Breastfeeding support for working mothers.
Quiz Competition
A quiz competition was held on 6th August 2026 at Kiran Hospital and was organized by Surat Pediatric Association Charitable Trust (SPACT). Nursing colleges from Surat city participated. Fifty students of 6th Semester B.Sc. Nursing from the institute participated. 350 students participated in quiz competition. Students achieved the following ranks:
Laksh
Rudra
Vraj Jariwala
PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFICIARIES:
The activities involved 6th Semester B.Sc. Nursing and 1st Year P.B.B.Sc. Nursing students. The beneficiaries/audience included pregnant women, lactating mothers, family members and caretakers, nursing and medical staff, and the public in OPD waiting areas.
The original report records that more than 200 women attended across the venues.
OUTCOMES AND IMPACT:
•Improved awareness regarding early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding.
•Breastfeeding myths and cultural misconceptions were addressed through interactive educational activities.
•Mothers and caregivers received guidance on breastfeeding practices and strategies.
•The activities promoted a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers.
•Students demonstrated teamwork, communication and health-education skills.
•Participation in the quiz provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and academic engagement.
