Jaipur, August 8, 2026: In observance of World Breastfeeding Week, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur hosted a week-long series of educational and awareness initiatives aimed at strengthening maternal and child health. Spearheaded by Dr. Shyam Sundar Sharma, Consultant of Neonatology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur the campaign focused on educating healthcare professionals and empowering new mothers across the region.
The initiatives opened with an inter-staff poster competition, encouraging hospital employees across various departments to creatively highlight the benefits of early newborn nutrition, maternal health, and continuous lactation support.
The week culminated on August 6 with an interactive quiz competition and a multi-disciplinary expert panel discussion designed to update clinical staff on current best practices in infant nutrition.
Participating panelists included Dr. Shallu Kakkar, Additional Director – Obstetrics & Gynaecology: Dr. Smita Vaid, Additional Director – Obstetrics & Gynaecology; Dr. Manila Nainawat, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology; Dr. Sanjay Choudhary, Additional Director – Paediatrics; Dr. Richa Mittal, Head – Dietetics & Nutrition Department from Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur.
During the panel discussion, clinical experts emphasized that initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and maintaining exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months are critical for infant survival and lifelong health. Panelists noted that human milk strengthens a baby’s immune system, significantly lowers infection risks, and supports long-term physical and cognitive growth. Additionally, proper lactation practices support maternal health by facilitating faster postpartum recovery.
“Breastfeeding provides the first and most complete nutrition a newborn can receive,” said Dr. Shyam Sundar Sharma, Consultant of Neonatology at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur. “Promoting successful lactation is not solely the duty of physicians; it requires active support from families and the broader community. Our goal with these initiatives is to equip every healthcare provider with the latest clinical knowledge so they can offer clear, compassionate guidance to every mother in our care.”
Adding on the hospital’s commitment to community health, Dr. Manish Kumar Agarwal, Facility Director at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur, stated: “We are dedicated to fostering a supportive ecosystem for maternal and child health both within our facility and across the wider community. Organizing such comprehensive awareness drives allows us to empower our staff with clinical excellence while driving meaningful public health engagement that safeguards the future of our youngest patients.”
