Mumbai: Promoting healthier beginnings for mothers and newborns, the Division of Neonatology at Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, in collaboration with the Mumbai Breastfeeding Promotion Committee (MBPC), inaugurated the World Breastfeeding Week 2026 celebrations at the Dr. S. M. Merchant Auditorium, Parel. The programme brought together leading neonatologists, paediatricians, obstetricians, community medicine experts, lactation consultants, nursing professionals, medical students, and healthcare leaders to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions towards breastfeeding promotion.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Dr Armida Fernandez, Former Dean, Professor and Head of Neonatology, LTMMC & GH, Sion and Padma Shri Awardee 2026, along with Guests of Honour, Dr Sandhya Khadse, Dean, MGM Medical College, Nerul, and Dr Chhaya Shinde, Dean, HBT Medical College and Dr R. N. Cooper Hospital. Present on the occasion were Dr Charusheela Korday, Dr Vinay Joshi, Head of the Division of Neonatology, Dr Sudha Rao, Medical Director, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO, Wadia Group of Hospitals.
The event highlighted this year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” presented by Dr Swati Manerkar, Professor and Head, Department of Neonatology, LTMMC & GH, Sion. Dr Vaidehi Dande, Secretary of MBPC and Associate Professor, Division of Neonatology, Wadia Hospital, presented the committee’s annual report, showcasing the various breastfeeding awareness, education, and community outreach initiatives undertaken during the past year.
The programme also celebrated excellence in breastfeeding promotion through the MBPC Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Dr Mridula Solanki for her decades-long contribution to maternal and child health, and the MBPC Young Achiever’s Award, conferred on Ms Himani Khandekar, Programme Lead of the Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre at Sion Hospital. The prestigious Dr N. B. Kumta Awards were also presented to Dr Kartik Bhagat and Dr Rachna Bhagat, practising obstetricians and lactation experts, and Dr Zinal Undakat Shah, practising paediatrician and lactation consultant, for their exceptional work in promoting breastfeeding practices.
The celebrations also featured winning street play performances by doctors and nursing teams, along with poster, slogan, essay, rangoli, and postgraduate quiz competitions, encouraging greater awareness and participation among healthcare professionals and students.
Dr. Armida Fernandez said, “Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful investments in a child’s future. It not only provides ideal nutrition and protection against infections but also supports healthy brain development and strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby. To improve breastfeeding rates, we must ensure that every mother receives timely guidance, encouragement, and continued support from healthcare professionals, families, workplaces, and the community. Together, we can create an environment where every child gets the healthiest possible start in life.”
Dr Sudha Rao, Medical Director, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, said, “Breastfeeding is one of the simplest and most effective ways to give every child the healthiest possible start in life. It provides complete nutrition, strengthens immunity, supports healthy growth and brain development, and creates a strong emotional bond between mother and baby. At the same time, breastfeeding offers several health benefits to mothers and contributes to healthier families and communities. Every mother deserves accurate information, skilled guidance, and a supportive environment that enables her to breastfeed confidently. Through continued education, collaboration, and community engagement, we can ensure that more mothers receive the support they need during this important journey.”
Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO, Wadia Group of Hospitals, said, “Creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment is a shared responsibility of healthcare institutions, families, workplaces, and society. While mothers make an extraordinary commitment to nourish their babies, they need encouragement and practical support at every step. Hospitals play a vital role by providing evidence-based guidance immediately after birth and throughout the breastfeeding journey. By strengthening systems that already work and expanding access to lactation support, we can improve maternal and child health outcomes and help every newborn receive the best possible start in life.”
The programme concluded with prize distribution for various competitions organised as part of the World Breastfeeding Week celebrations, reaffirming the collective commitment of experts towards protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding across communities.