Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum today spoke at the inauguration of 'World Breastfeeding Week 2025' at the conference room of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the city. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Aug 25, 2025 (BSS)- Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum today laid emphasis on increasing the rate of breastfeeding to provide infants with essential nutrients for their sound physical and mental development.

“The rate of breastfeeding should be increased. Now, around 55 percent of children is receiving mother's milk, earlier this rate was much higher,” she said while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of 'World Breastfeeding Week 2025' at the conference room of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the city, said a press release.

Nurjahan said that the baby should be breastfed immediately after birth. “When there is not enough milk after two-three days of birth, doctors often advise formula milk. But my request to the doctors is that you should advise breastfeeding. Do not advise formula milk,” she added. 

She said that once there were various superstitions about feeding colostrums, the nutrient-rich first milk produced by your breasts during pregnancy.

“Now people have become aware. Still, there is a worrying trend of breastfeeding,” she added.

Stressing the importance of preparing for breast milk production, Nurjahan Begum said, "From six months of pregnancy, attention should be given to the mother's eating habits and equipment. 

If the mother eats well, her body will produce enough happiness for the child, she added. 

Drawing attention to working mothers, the adviser said that mothers engaged in various activities of outside home cannot feed their children enough milk due to lack of awareness and food shortage. 

In this context, she highlighted on poverty alleviation and mentioned that the poverty rate in the country is now around 20 percent.

“If these 20 percent cannot eat enough, then the children will not get enough milk either. Therefore, everyone has to work together to reduce poverty,” she added.

Expressing the need to change social attitudes, the adviser said, "Housewives should be given the opportunity to hold their babies immediately after birth. Many times, we do not let our children know those who work in our homes. I request you to consider this matter."

Health Services Division Secretary Md Saidur Rahman presided over the meeting while Health Education Division Secretary Dr Sarwar Bari, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Professor Dr. Md. Abu Zafar, among others, were present on the occasion.