World Breastfeeding Week 2026

Event Details:

• Theme: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
• Organized by: SDM Institute of Nursing Sciences, Dharwad

The SDM Institute of Nursing Sciences, Dharwad, proudly celebrated World Breastfeeding Week 2026 from August 1 to 7, 2026, through a series of educational, awareness-building, skill-development, and student-centred activities. The week-long programme was jointly organized by the Department of Child Health Nursing and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing.

Highlights of the Week:

1. Inauguration Ceremony

The inauguration ceremony was held on August 1, 2026, at the OBG OPD, Ground Floor, SDM Medical College & Hospital. The programme was attended by Heads of Departments, faculty members, students, healthcare professionals, and antenatal and postnatal mothers.

2. Poster Presentation

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from nine student groups, who presented informative and creative posters on various aspects of breastfeeding, including exclusive breastfeeding, counselling techniques, common breastfeeding challenges, maternal nutrition, follow-up care, community support, and the role of healthcare professionals.

3. Puppet Show

A puppet show was conducted to highlight the importance and benefits of breastfeeding. The presentation effectively conveyed key breastfeeding messages and created awareness among mothers and the general public.

4. Quiz Competition

A quiz competition was organized to enhance students’ knowledge and awareness regarding the importance and benefits of breastfeeding, as well as current evidence-based breastfeeding practices.

5. Community Outreach Programme

The community outreach programme focused on highlighting the importance and benefits of breastfeeding and dispelling common myths and misconceptions related to breastfeeding. As part of the awareness activity, B.Sc. Nursing students presented skit demonstrating correct breastfeeding practices. The performances effectively communicated important breastfeeding messages and promoted awareness among students and community members.

6. Workshop and Valedictory Programme – Skill-Sync Express: Competency-Based Training on Kangaroo Mother Care

The workshop focused on Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and provided participants with valuable knowledge and practical skills. The training covered the indications, procedure, benefits, and the role of family involvement in KMC, with particular emphasis on its importance in promoting the health and well-being of preterm and low-birth-weight babies.

Participants:

The programme involved active participation from various stakeholders:

• Students: 6th and 7th Semester B.Sc. Nursing students, M.Sc. Nursing (PG) students, and 2nd- and 3rd-year GNM students.
• Faculty: Faculty members of SDM Institute of Nursing Sciences from all departments.
• Healthcare Team: Doctors, nurses, and community health workers.
• Community Members: Mothers, family members, and local residents.

Conclusion

The World Breastfeeding Week 2026 celebrations reinforced the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding, appropriate breastfeeding practices, lactation counselling, family support, and evidence-based care for mothers and newborns.

The programme contributed to strengthening breastfeeding awareness and promoting positive breastfeeding practices among mothers, nursing students, healthcare professionals, and community members. It also fostered interdepartmental collaboration and active student engagement through various educational, skill-development, and community-based activities.

The SDM Institute of Nursing Sciences remains committed to promoting maternal and child health through education, advocacy, skill development, and community outreach initiatives.