Amb/Una, August 1 (Rajveer Chopra): World Breastfeeding Week was launched with enthusiasm on Friday at Anganwadi Centre Amb-5, under the Amb Municipal Council. Councillor Gaurav Sharma presided over the event, which is part of the week-long observance held from August 1 to August 7. On this occasion, Anganwadi worker Monika Kumari honored him by draping a traditional *Chunri* (scarf) around his shoulders.
Addressing the gathering, Anganwadi worker Monika Kumari provided detailed information to the women present about the importance of breastfeeding. She explained that a newborn must be fed mother's milk immediately after birth and should be exclusively breastfed for at least six months. She described mother's milk as "nectar" for the infant, noting that it is rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and immunity-boosting elements. She particularly urged mothers to feed their newborns the first thick, yellow milk (colostrum) produced after birth, highlighting its immense benefits for the infant's health.
During the program, women were also made aware of the health benefits of breastfeeding, as well as the importance of maternal and child nutrition and a balanced diet.
On this occasion, nutritional supplements were distributed at Anganwadi Centre Amb-5 to 19 children (aged 6 months to 3 years) and 11 pregnant and lactating women under the THR (Take-Home Ration) scheme. The nutritional supplies included rice, broken wheat (*daliya*), cooking oil, soya chunks, salt, chickpeas, vermicelli, milk, Nutri-mix, biscuits, and other essential food items.
Additionally, a monthly CBE (Community-Based Event) meeting was held at the Anganwadi centre, where information regarding maternal and child health, nutrition, and government schemes was shared. At the conclusion of the program, all women were urged to adopt regular breastfeeding and balanced nutrition practices for the better health of their children.