Karachi: After the bill passed by the Sindh Assembly regarding the Breastfeeding, a law has now been enacted, but in reality, its command has been present in Islam for over a thousand years. It is mandatory for the mother to breastfeed the child immediately after birth, but in our society, there is a misconception that this is unhealthy milk when, in fact, it provides the first nourishment to the child and protects them from various diseases, including heart diseases and strokes, throughout their life. These facts were highlighted by Child experts during a training session on “Breastfeeding” organized by the Dow University of Health Sciences.
In the session, Principal Dr. Zeba Haq of Dow International Medical College attended as a Chief Guest, while Medical Superintendent Dr. Jahan Ara, Professor Khalid Shafique Professor Tazeen Abbas, and others gave special lectures regarding Breastfeeding. The training session saw a significant turnout, with a registration of over 60 individuals, including an additional 10 to 15 online registrations.
Principal Dr. Zeba Haq of Dow International Medical College stated that the Breastfeeding Act in Sindh is, in fact, based on Islamic law, which was revealed to us through the Quran. According to this law, breastfeeding is mandatory for two years for girls and two years for boys. This law is a natural law, and no one goes against the laws of nature set by Allah, whether or not it is enacted as a law in the country. The delay in childbirth is also for the purpose of ensuring the health of both the mother and the child, allowing the child to receive their full share of milk.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Jahan Ara of the Dow University Hospital emphasized in her address that health practitioners, whether in general practice or pediatric practice, should advocate for breastfeeding. She also stressed the importance of checking women’s nipples in the gynecology wards, as sometimes, there can be issues with them that need attention. Immediate post-delivery care is essential, followed by initiating breastfeeding. Practitioners should also educate mothers about contraception practices along with breastfeeding, as it is necessary to space pregnancies.
Secretary-General of the Pakistan Pediatric Association Professor Khalid Shafique mentioned that the Breastfeeding Bill has now become a law, and the Sindh Breastfeeding Protection and Promotion Act 2023 is now in effect. The efforts of the Dow University are commendable in this regard, as it was a challenging task due to opposition from a powerful group with vested interests. Professor Khalid Shafique also emphasized that the child should be given the mother’s milk immediately after birth. If there are any complications, they should be addressed. He mentioned that over 3,000 individuals in Sindh have received training related to breastfeeding across various health sectors.
Professor Tazeen Fatima, Secretary-General of the Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Pakistan, highlighted the importance of breastfeeding in child health and how it benefits not only the child but also the mother and the economy of the country. She explained that the first hour of a child’s birth is called the “Golden Hour” because if the mother’s milk is given during this time, it significantly improves the child’s health. Contrary to popular belief, milk from animals like camels, cows, or buffaloes should not be given to the child; only the mother’s milk should be provided. Misconceptions about other types of milk adversely affect the health of our children.
At the end of the session, participants were given a questionnaire with questions related to the topics covered in the training.
