HHF opens lactating management centres in Rajendranagar, Pahadi Shareef urban slums

Hyderabad: In a move towards maternal and infant healthcare, the Helping Hand Foundation (HHF), a Hyderabad-based healthcare NGO, has introduced Lactating Management Centres for mothers and their newborns in urban slums across the city including Khyamnagar, Rajendranagar, Shaheenagar, Wadi-e-Mustafa and Pahadi Shareef.

Despite national guidelines advocating for such centres, their implementation has been lacking, making HHF’s initiative a pioneering step in addressing this crucial aspect of healthcare.

Addressing a critical need

With women constituting 75 per cent of patients in HHF’s comprehensive primary care centres, the establishment of lactating management centres aimed to cater specifically to the needs of new mothers.

These centres provide dedicated spaces for breastfeeding, ensuring privacy and hygiene, while also promoting the importance of breastfeeding within the community.

Challenges to infant healthcare

A survey conducted by HHF revealed concerning statistics regarding breastfeeding practices.

Only 60 per cent of mothers were breastfeeding their babies for a year, with significant proportions facing challenges such as inadequate lactation, frequent pregnancies, and misconceptions about breastfeeding.

Supporting mothers

Mujtaba Hasan Askari of HHF emphasised the role of lactating management centres in improving lactation by providing mothers with proper nutrition and support.

“Each centre is equipped with essential amenities and trained lactation counsellors to guide mothers on breastfeeding techniques and address any concerns,” Askari said.

Sakeena Hussain, a young mother, expressed her gratitude for the privacy and cleanliness provided by the centres, stating, “Now we can feed them in total privacy and a neat and clean environment.”

“The introduction of lactating management centres by HHF represents a crucial step towards supporting mothers in urban slums and promoting optimal infant nutrition,” said Amna Sharif, a young mother.

“By addressing barriers to breastfeeding and providing essential resources and guidance, these centres are poised to make a significant impact on maternal and infant health in the community,” said Ketaki Prakash, another new mother.