Assam's Innovations: Breastfeeding Rooms Introduced at Guwahati and Kamakhya Stations

Guwahati, August 3, 2023: In a remarkable stride towards prioritizing maternal and infant health, the Assam Women and Child Development Department has achieved a significant milestone by introducing dedicated breastfeeding rooms at the Guwahati and Kamakhya railway stations. These thoughtfully designed private corners stand as a testament to the state's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for mothers and their infants.

These newly established breastfeeding rooms offer mothers a serene and comfortable space to breastfeed their infants, ensuring their privacy and well-being. The rooms are thoughtfully equipped with amenities that cater to the needs of both mothers and babies, encompassing plush seating arrangements and clean, hygienic environments. A touch of innovation has been added with the provision of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, empowering mothers with valuable insights on breastfeeding practices, infant nutrition, and maternal health.

The breastfeeding rooms have been adorned with informative wall displays and resources that educate mothers on best practices for breastfeeding. These resources are aimed at dispelling common misconceptions and providing evidence-based information to guide mothers through their breastfeeding journey. The Assam Women and Child Development Department, in collaboration with healthcare experts, has curated these materials to ensure that mothers have access to accurate and reliable information.

Coinciding with the worldwide celebration of World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7, this initiative comes as a testament to Assam's unwavering dedication to maternal and child well-being. This year's theme, "Enabling breastfeeding: making a difference for working parents," resonates deeply with the initiative's essence. By providing dedicated breastfeeding rooms at transportation hubs, the department is acknowledging the unique challenges faced by working mothers and aiming to bridge the gap between breastfeeding and professional commitments.

The heart of this endeavor lies in promoting early initiation of breastfeeding, regardless of the method of delivery. The Assam Women and Child Development Department underscores the significance of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. This critical step is proven to have far-reaching positive impacts on the health and development of both mother and child.

The establishment of breastfeeding rooms at Guwahati and Kamakhya railway stations not only reflects Assam's commitment to maternal and infant health but also showcases a deep understanding of the challenges faced by nursing mothers, particularly in public spaces. This compassionate gesture is poised to encourage more mothers to embrace breastfeeding confidently, without compromising on their comfort and privacy.

In an era where maternal health and child development are paramount concerns, the Assam Women and Child Development Department's initiative sets a remarkable example for other regions to follow. The introduction of dedicated breastfeeding rooms sends a resounding message that supporting mothers is pivotal in ensuring the health and well-being of future generations.

As Assam takes bold steps towards nurturing a holistic environment for mothers and infants, the inauguration of these breastfeeding rooms emerges as a beacon of progress, embodying the spirit of compassion, innovation, and empowerment.