In a thought-provoking and insightful webinar held on the 18th of August, 2023, under Global Program India, Caritas India brought together experts, program team members from across the state, and partner organizations to discuss the unparalleled importance of breastfeeding in early childhood development and its benefits for both mother and child as well. Titled “Breastfeeding: The Best Possible Start in Life,” the webinar proved to be a platform of knowledge sharing, myth-busting, and experience sharing from the ground that reaffirmed the significance of breastfeeding in nurturing healthier generations and helping to achieve SDG 2030. The webinar was attended by more than 100 participants.

The webinar commenced with prayer led by Ms. N. Gladis, setting a reflective atmosphere for the ensuing discussions.

Ms. Babita Pinto, Head of Programs at Caritas India, extended a warm welcome to all participants, underlining the webinar’s purpose to explore the pivotal role of breastfeeding in laying the foundation for lifelong health and well-being. She also highlighted that Breastfeeding, the natural and established practice of providing a newborn with nourishment from their mother’s milk, has garnered widespread attention for its unparalleled benefits.

Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura, Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India, provided a comprehensive context for the webinar, emphasizing Caritas India’s dedication to serving the vulnerable population. He also shed light on the importance of promoting awareness, understanding, and support for breastfeeding and the need to engage in meaningful discussions and gain insights into the importance of breastfeeding.

The first guest speaker, Dr. Roshni Vakilna, Technical Lead for Project Vruddhi at Action Against Hunger, spoke about the manifold benefits of breastfeeding and discuss pragmatic solutions to common breastfeeding challenges. Her session was focused on Nurturing Through Nature and unveiling the Benefits of Breastfeeding.

She also highlighted that breast milk is a powerhouse of essential nutrients that cater to the unique needs of a growing infant which is why it is the golden drink or nectar of life. The antibodies present in breast milk provide natural immunity, shielding infants from infections and diseases. Breastfeeding nurtures a bond between mother and child that transcends words. The skin-to-skin contact and intimate interaction during feeding foster emotional attachment, laying the foundation for a secure and healthy relationship between parent and baby.

Dr. Roshni also talked about the breastfeeding difficulties during the webinar, acknowledging that while breastfeeding is a natural process, it doesn’t always come without challenges and highlighted those challenges, Myths, and misconceptions.

The second guest speaker Ms. Rose Joseph, governing body member of Caritas India and a passionate social worker emphasized empowering through education and creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding. She also said that this informative webinar serves as a reminder that breastfeeding is a journey, one that can be navigated more smoothly with the right knowledge and support. It is not just about feeding the baby it’s about nourishing the soul and establishing a profound connection that sets the stage for a healthier and happier future and it is the right of every child. breastfeeding is indeed a powerful tool that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2030, contributing significantly to multiple dimensions of global well-being and sustainability.

In the next session, there was sharing from program areas. Animators and ICDS workers from Bihar and Odisha, including Smt. Soni Kumari, Smt. Anila Kumari, and Smt. Ponda Rani, shared their personal experiences, instilling a sense of inspiration among the participants.

The Question-and-Answer session provided a platform for participants to engage with the speakers, fostering enriching discussions. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Ms. Kalika Mohapatra, expressing gratitude to the contributors who made the webinar possible.

This insightful webinar served as a reminder of the critical role that breastfeeding plays in ensuring the well-being of both infants and mothers. Caritas India’s commitment to nurturing healthier generations through events like these is truly commendable.