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Activities
It was realized by members of
BPNI, that Breastfeeding promotional activities
needed to be organized independently at the
state level for better functioning and to increase
the number and scope of activities. Therefore,
the Maharashtra State Branch was constituted
in 1994, with satellite centers in other regions
of the state. Maharashtra State Branch is one
of the most active branches of BPNI, and has
done pioneering work in Breastfeeding promotion
to doctors, nurses and the community at large.
The various activities of BPNI
Maharashtra include:
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HLMT
courses for doctors: Seven such courses have been
organized, three of these in association with
other branches of BPNI. These are interactive
courses with practical sessions in maternity hospitals. |
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Interactive
training sessions for nurses: "Mother Support
Group" leaders conduct these. Over the years,
nearly twenty such workshops have been done in
various parts of Mumbai and Maharashtra. |
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Antenatal
Group counseling session & postnatal counseling,
and support to new mothers in private and municipal
maternity homes: By MSG leaders. This activity
has improved breastfeeding rates in Northwest
Mumbai. |
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Celebration
of World Breastfeeding Week: Based on themes provided
by WABA: Various programs are organized all over
Mumbai, including teaching institutes, over the
complete week and beyond. All levels of the community
are included in the programs that include workshops,
seminars, drawing competitions in school, certifications
and distribution of IEC material. |
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Traditional
Massage Women (TMW) project: This is an innovative
project by BPNI Maharashtra wherein Malishwali
Bais (TMW) are trained in correct i nfant
feeding rearing practices, as well as handing
common childhood problem at home. Until now, 500
TMWs have been trained and certified. |
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NALS
course for doctors and nurses: Conducted by NALS
cell of BPNI Maharashtra. |
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Baby
friendly hospital initiative: BPNI Maharashtra
has converted many hospitals in Mumbai into baby
friendly hospitals. This involves assessment of
the hospitals with regard to the "Ten Steps
to Successful Breastfeeding" by a team of
doctors from BPNI Maharashtra. |
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Setting
up of a secretariat and documentation center:
With help of UNICEF and BPNI Delhi, A resource
library is being set up. BPNI has its own secretariat
in Borivali, with a full time secretarial assistant. |
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BPNI
Maharashtra has published a booklet on Newborn
and Childcare in four languages. This book has
proved to be very popular with health workers
and mothers. |
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Our
Web portal was launched on August 1, in keeping
with the theme - Breastfeeding in the Information
Age. |
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A
Docu-drama video on Breastfeeding is in the offing. |
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A
Newsletter of BPNI Maharashtra is being planned
for distribution to all pediatricians and obstetricians
in Mumbai, and possibly Maharashtra. |
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Mother
and Child Friendly Hospital Initiative: Members
of BPNI Maharashtra are on the task force constituted
for the implementation of MCFHI, a program designed
by UNICEF. |
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Inclusion
of Breastfeeding in the curriculum of women's
universities: BPNI Maharashtra has been instrumental
in achieving this. |
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Public
and hospital seminars. |
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Fund
raising: While BPNI Maharashtra refuses donations
from the pharmaceutical industry, it needs funds
to carry on with its Breastfeeding promotional
programs and publishing relevant educational literature.
UNICEF Mumbai has been a major financial and moral
supporter of our activities. We invite contributions
from organization and individuals that are committed
to the improvement of the health of our nation
of our children by the definitely proven way of
exclusive Breastfeeding. All contributions are
exempt from income tax under section 80 G. |
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Research:
A detailed research module for Infant feeding
practices in the state of Maharashtra is being
planned; |
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Training
of trainers and monitors: In Breastfeeding counseling
and complementary feeding; monitoring the IMS
Act. |
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BFHI:
BPNI is a member of the NTF for "Baby Friendly
Hospital Initiative". |
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Publications
in form of bulletins, posters, newsletters, stickers,
greeting cards, books, etc. |
Activities
