Rally, March-past wraps up Breastfeeding Week in Region Three

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, September, 2018

The assembly point was the Hydronie Market Square where participants began the sensitization walk informing the public about the importance of breastfeeding under the theme, “Foundation of Life.” Leading the march-past was Regional Health Officer Ravindra Dudhnath who also distributed flyers to onlookers and as the team entered the Parika area, the number of marchers grew exponentially.

The March-past ended at the Parika Transport and Harbours Department stelling where a mini-rally was hosted to further sensitise the travelling public of the importance and advantages of Breastfeeding.

Delivering opening remarks was the Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ravindra Dudhnauth who spoke about the value of breastfeeding.
“Breastfeeding is simply the best way to bond with your child and give him or her all the necessary nutrients deserved. It is already at the right temperature, and likely not to put you and your child at risk of attracting various illnesses such as diabetes and the likes. I encourage mothers to breastfeed exclusively for that six-month period. It comes at no financial cost and a quality relationship is established between you and your child. It is simply the best gift that attracts no money,” Dr. Dudnauth said.

Also addressing the gathering, Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikaran spoke directly to the men folk on the importance of their role in this entire process of Breastfeeding. “Men, your role is very important. We must support our mothers by assisting in all ways possible. You see, the brain controls all activities of the human body and when we are stressed, our body reacts. So, in order to ensure that our child is receiving the best milk, we must ensure our wives and mothers are breastfeeding under normal and comfortable circumstances, not under stress. It is therefore important for us to display love, kindness and compassion to our ladies. The food we eat is equally important, for we are what we eat and if we are to ensure the best milk is given to our babies then we must eat correctly.”

The REO also called on the Dr. Dudnauth to make next year’s observance bigger since “breastfeeding is everybody’s business.” He also called on the private sector and wider business community to join the sensitisation process so as to ensure that breastfeeding receives the publicity it rightfully deserves.

Story and Images: Ganesh Mahipaul

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