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World Breastfeeding Week 2025 at SRM Medical College Hospital: A Week of Awareness, Action, and Community Connection

Every year, the first week of August is dedicated to World Breastfeeding Week—a global campaign to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. This year’s theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, came alive at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SRMMCH&RC) through a week-long series of events organised by the Department of Paediatrics, in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Chengalpattu.

From 1–7 August 2025, the hospital campus buzzed with lectures, competitions, workshops, and outreach programs, bringing together doctors, students, nurses, mothers, and the wider community. The celebrations were led by Dr. Subash S, Head of Paediatrics, with the constant support of Pro Vice-Chancellor (MHS) & Dean (Medical), Dr. Nitin M Nagarkar and Medical Superintendent, Dr. R. Venkatraman.

Day-by-Day Highlights

1 August – Inauguration & Expert Lecture
The inaugural function began with the lighting of the kuthuvilakku by Dr. Nagarkar and Dr. Venkatraman. Speeches from the dignitaries emphasised the urgent need for stronger breastfeeding support systems, particularly for working mothers.

Guest speaker Dr. S. Srinivasan (Expert Advisor for Child Health, NHM TN Govt.; Former State Nodal Officer; Member of MNCU Expert Group, Govt. of India) delivered a detailed, insightful lecture on breastfeeding’s role in maternal and child health and the structural changes needed to sustain it.

2 August – Mother Education & Nursing Staff Quiz
Assistant Professor Dr. Sugapriya led an educational session for mothers on the importance of exclusive and continued breastfeeding. A breastfeeding quiz for nursing staff followed, with S. Kalpana and S. Parkavi taking top honours.

3 August – Ward-Based Counselling
Dr. Amith Kumar and postgraduate students visited postnatal wards, speaking directly with new mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding and offering encouragement.

4 August – Lactation Workshop, Well Baby Contest & Community Outreach
A hands-on lactation workshop, co-hosted with the neonatology unit, brought together nursing staff from SRM and nearby hospitals. Participants rotated through workstations covering breastfeeding benefits, positioning, and latch techniques. The Well Baby Contest celebrated exclusively breastfed healthy infants from the paediatrics outpatient department. An outreach program saw paediatricians and nurses visiting local communities to raise awareness on breastfeeding and workplace support.

5 August – Creative Competitions
Multiple competitions turned the week’s theme into creative expression:

  • Slogan Writing: 1st – Urvashi Vanay; 2nd – Suganthy Saravanan (NMC cell)
  • Poster Design: 1st – Ramya (NICU sister); 2nd – Divya Bharathi (Final Year B.Sc Nursing)
  • Meme Creation: 1st – Mrs. Suganthy Saravanan (NMC cell); 2nd – Mr. Thiyagarajan (Paediatrics Office Assistant)
  • Poetry: 1st – Bhavani (PICU Staff); 2nd – Bernice Esther (MBBS Student)
  • Short Video: 1st – Lakshmishree; 2nd – Mr. Thiyagarajan
  • Rangoli: 1st – Hasira Banu S, Pavithra V, Aishwarya S, Sournambikaa R; 2nd – R. Hema Rajakumari, B. Jayapritha, K. Punitha; 3rd – Sai Prabha, Yashawini, Priyadharshini

6 August – PG Debate & MBBS Quiz
Postgraduates debated “Extended Breastfeeding Beyond 1 Year – Essential Practice or Outdated Tradition”. Best speakers: Dr. Soundar and Dr. Divya.

Final-year MBBS students participated in a breastfeeding quiz, with Ashmitha V and Revathi B emerging as winners.

7 August – PG Quiz
A postgraduate quiz concluded the week’s activities. Winners: Dr. Aseema and Dr. Rishika (Paediatrics); runners-up: S. Aishwarya and G. Revathi (Physiotherapy).

12 August – Valedictory Ceremony
The celebrations officially closed with a valedictory function graced by Mrs. Poornima Bhagyaraj, acclaimed actress, director, producer, and writer, as Guest of Honour.

In her keynote, she highlighted breast milk’s unmatched nutritional and protective qualities, noting that even in harsh conditions, it retains its benefits. Drawing from personal experience with her grandson, she urged mothers to continue breastfeeding as long as possible and stressed the importance of community and workplace support in nuclear family settings.

Quoting Dr. R. Venkatraman, Medical Superintendent: “Creating awareness for both mothers and fathers is crucial. Programs like these help bridge the gap between medical knowledge and community understanding.”
The event also saw:

  • Release of the Paediatrics Department’s annual newsletter and the latest issue of The Pink Footers
  • Prize distribution for all competition winners.

Dignitaries Presence at Valedictory
~ Dr. S. Subash, Professor & Head, Department of Paediatrics, SRMMCHRC
~ Ms. Poornima Bhagyaraj, Indian Actress
~ Dr. Nitin M Nagarkar, Pro Vice-Chancellor (MHS), SRMMCHRC
~ Dr. R. Venkatraman, Medical Superintendent, SRMMCHRC
~ Dr. V. P.Chandrasekaran, Associate Dean, Super Speciality (MHS), SRMMCHRC

Why This Week Mattered
Dr. Subash stated, “Breastfeeding is not just a medical recommendation; it’s a vital public health measure.” It strengthens immunity, fosters emotional bonding, and remains one of the most economical and sustainable forms of infant nutrition.