In continuation to a social initiative of Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon to make public places breastfeeding friendly, Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI), 
a reputed NGO associated with the World Health Organization has appreciated our participation during the World Breastfeeding Week 2015. BPNI is a national network of organizations and individuals dedicated to promote mother and child health through protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding. Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon had started a social campaign to urge the government and the civic authorities to make breastfeeding rooms in public areas like – malls, restaurants, railway stations , bus stands and metro stations.
According to Dr Dharminder Nagar, Managing Director, Paras Healthcare, “We thank BPNI for appreciating our efforts of public engagement to promote and raise social issues. This aspect was brought to our attention by new mothers who delivered at Paras. Gurgaon is known as a planned urban city with state of the art infrastructure, malls and urban architecture, however Gurgaon also lacks the civic amenities for mothers who choose to follow medical recommendations of exclusively breastfeeding their babies for the first 6 months. Many resort to feeding their babies in restrooms, parking lots, with bottled milk while most don’t venture out due to the needs of the baby. Such restrictions create a negative impact in the minds of the new mothers. With thispetition we aim at urging the government, civil and accreditation organizations to become more humane and include breastfeeding as a major feature in the public places. This is a change that shall ensure that our society cares for the future generation.”
Though the petition campaign, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon has been able to connect more than 5000 women with the issue. The cause is supported by the hospitals team of mother and child care specialists – Gynecologists, Obstetricians, Pediatricians, Neonatologists.
“This is a major issue that needs immediate attention. If the west has been able to accommodate breast feeding areas in their offices and public areas, it is a possibility for us too. We need to become sensitive and also be reasonable in our approach. Exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months ensures that the baby has all the antibodies to fight infections, have normal body mass index and growth rate. By inclusion of such areas where mothers can feed their young ones comfortably in public places we will be empowering the women and ensuring that our generations are healthy,” highlights Dr Amitava Sen Gupta, Director Mother & Child Care, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon.
Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon aims at continuing their initiative of sensitizing the public and the private organizations on the issue. The campaign shall be strengthened with the support of various women centered NGO’s.
