World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), held in the first week of August every year, is a global campaign supported by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF and many Ministries of Health and civil society partners on the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. This initiative was started in 1992 to encourage mothers to breastfeed their children and build a support community for new mothers who face any difficulties in breastfeeding.

Why Did We Need An Awareness Week?

Gynaecologist, obstetrician and founder of Baby Soon Fertility and IVF Center, Dr Jyoti Bali with 26 years of experience says, “A reason why some mothers stopped breastfeeding was because of the increased marketing of formula as a convenient solution compared to breastfeeding.”

Experts agree that women undergo physical changes in their bodies during their pregnancy and while breastfeeding too, however, these have been exaggerated. “Breastfeeding can lead to temporary changes in breast size and shape, but these changes are typically normal and revert to baseline after weaning. Perceptions about breastfeeding causing long-term body changes are often unscientific or exaggerated,” says Dr Rao.

These were some of the reasons why women stopped breastfeeding and thus an initiative like World Breastfeeding Week was started. This also aims to highlight the health benefits to the mother and the child on breastfeeding.

Benefits of Breastfeeding on Mother

Rao says that for the mother, it helps in faster postpartum recovery, reduces the risk of certain cancers, and can help with postpartum weight loss.

“Breast Feeding helps the mothers to shed their pregnancy weight more quickly because the production of milk requires the burning of calories,” agrees Dr Bali.

Other health benefits to mothers are postpartum healing, bonding with the baby and a decrease in the risk of ovarian cancer, mentions Dr Bali.

Breastfeeding Benefits on Baby

There are also nutritional values that help a preterm baby in his or her development. “For example, breast milk's higher protein content makes it easier for premature babies to absorb and digest than formula, which encourages better weight gain. Premature babies often have specific nutritional needs due to their early birth. Breast milk provides a tailored balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that support their rapid growth and development. The composition of breast milk adjusts to meet the changing needs of a preterm infant, including higher levels of certain nutrients,” says Dr Goel.

Dr Bali also points out that breast milk contains antibodies, probiotics and DHA and ARA, a kind of fatty acids that are required for brain development. Thus, a baby can benefit a great deal from breastfeeding.

Health Risks When Not Breastfeeding

Poor breastfeeding practices in infancy and early childhood, resulting in malnutrition, contribute to impaired cognitive and social development, poor school performance and reduced productivity in later life.

Sarwa points out that psychological factors like stress, anxiety, postpartum depression, poor latch due to anatomical issues or improper positioning, and other medical conditions are the common reasons for this. “Identification and management of the specific cause, appropriate counselling by a healthcare provider, support (emotional and workplace both) and alternative feeding options,” he says.

Unable To Breastfeed Your Child? Here is What You Can Do

Do not be worried about its safety, Dr Rao says that donated milk is screened, pasteurised, and distributed to ensure safety and nutrition.

Are You a Working Mother?

“Purchasing a superior electric breast pump can increase the effectiveness of the procedure. Maintaining a consistent pumping schedule—ideally, every three to four hours—helps keep the milk supply steady. Pumped milk can be refrigerated for up to four days if stored in sterile containers or bags that have been labelled with the date and time. Milk can be frozen and thawed for extended storage,” suggests Dr Goel.

There has been a significant rise in the number of children diagnosed with kidney stones, with some reporting a doubling or quadrupling in incidence over the last 15-20 years. Also, the number of surgical cases related to kidney stones has increased.

While kidney stones are typically associated with adults, they are now being diagnosed in younger children, including infants. The rise in kidney stones among children is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, including dietary changes, obesity, and possibly environmental factors.

What Is A Kidney Stone?

Kidney stones are deposits of different minerals that can accumulate in the urinary tract. They can travel from the kidney, down the urinary tract, to the bladder and eventually be urinated out.

Some cases require surgical intervention. If left untreated, kidney stones can cause damage to the kidney, serious infection of the urinary tract, and, over time, damage the function of the kidney.

Why Kidney Stones Are Rising?

A major contributor to this rise has been dietary changes like increased consumption of processed foods, high-sodium foods, and sugary drinks, coupled with lower water intake. Also, the growing prevalence of childhood obesity is another contributing factor.

Immobile patients are also more at risk due to decreased flow of urine that can lead to stasis and then to kidney stone formation. Antibiotic use (which can affect gut flora that metabolize oxalate), and potentially even climate change, leading to dehydration, may also play a role.

Some children may be predisposed to kidney stones due to inherited disorders that affect how their bodies process certain minerals.

Prevention Is Key

As always, prevention is better than a cure. So, as parents, there are a few things that can be done so that children can avoid developing stones.

Promote healthy diets: Encourage children to consume a balanced diet low in sodium, processed foods, and sugary drinks, while ensuring adequate calcium intake. Eating out less and cooking meals at home can make sure this happens.

Promote an active lifestyle: Encouraging children to go outdoors to play and exercise can play a big role in preventing childhood obesity, which can also be a contributing factor to stones.

Increase fluid intake: Encourage children to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Having a water bottle for kids to carry at school and using water drinking tracking apps to help keep them accountable and increase their water intake.

Avoid unnecessary antibiotics: Avoid unwarranted usage of antibiotics in children for minor ailments where they are not indicated.

Address underlying medical conditions: If a child has other medical conditions that increase the risk of kidney stones, these should be managed appropriately.

Monitor and manage: Early detection and management of kidney stones in children are crucial to prevent complications and recurrence.

To sum up, by promoting healthy habits and addressing underlying medical conditions, parents and healthcare professionals can help reduce the risk of kidney stones in children.

Pregnancy is probably one of the most important periods in a woman’s life during which her decisions regarding nutrition, exercise, and many other factors can directly affect the health of the fetus.

Today, doctors are paying more attention to the impact that modern lifestyle trends have on pregnant women and their babies, since improper nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, too much use of electronic devices, stress, and bad sleeping habits are causing various problems during pregnancy.

The Role Of Nutrition And Exercise In Pregnancy

A good diet that provides all the necessary nutrition is another vital factor in pregnancy. The development of the baby relies completely on the nutrients provided by the mother in terms of iron, calcium, folic acid, protein, and vitamins.

Inadequate nutrition can cause various issues such as poor body weight, anemia, delays in the process of development, and premature delivery. Excessive intake of processed food, sugar-filled drinks, and junk food can cause the development of gestational diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure in the course of pregnancy.

Exercise is also essential when it comes to sustaining a healthy pregnancy. Exercises such as walking, prenatal yoga, and stretching will aid women in improving their blood flow, managing their weight, reducing stress, and minimizing the chances of developing complications due to pregnancy.

However, it should be noted that pregnant women should not engage in rigorous exercise.

Why Managing Stress Is Key

Stress and mental health hold equal importance for pregnant women. Stressful situations may have a negative effect on the mother as well as the unborn child. Emotional stress, insomnia, anxiety, and occupational stress may result in hypertension, premature childbirth, and low birth weight.

Research indicates that prolonged maternal stress may even affect the neurodevelopment and behavior of the fetus. Thus, it becomes important to ensure the emotional stability of the pregnant woman through relaxation exercises and sufficient sleep.

The Importance of Sleep And Healthy Lifestyle Practices

Sleep is also an important yet underrated aspect that needs to be considered. Disrupted sleeping habits, working late into the night, and a lack of proper sleep may have adverse impacts on the hormonal balance of the body, thereby causing fatigue. Good sleep is essential for the body’s healing process, proper regulation of blood pressure, and the development of the fetus.

Some of the lifestyle practices may pose serious risks to the development of the fetus. The use of cigarettes, drinking alcoholic beverages, and drug abuse while being pregnant is linked to congenital anomalies, poor fetal growth, prematurity, and developmental problems. It should also be noted that secondhand smoke poses health risks to the baby.

A Healthy Pregnancy

Prenatal examinations are crucial in maintaining the well-being of the mother and fetus during the period of gestation. Early detection of possible problems through ultrasound, blood tests, immunization, and physician consultations can be achieved through regular prenatal examinations.

A healthy pregnancy does not merely involve avoiding diseases; it involves establishing an optimal environment for fetal growth and development. Healthy behaviors during pregnancy not only benefit the mother but also provide an excellent starting point for the health of her child in the future. With modern changes in lifestyle patterns, it is now more essential than ever before to be aware of and prevent any problems that might arise during pregnancy.

Dengue affects children differently from adults, making them among the most vulnerable groups to the mosquito-borne disease. While platelet monitoring remains important, experts on National Dengue Day 2026 stressed that dengue severity depends on a child’s overall clinical condition and not just a single laboratory value.

Speaking to HealthandMe, the doctors informed that there is more than a falling platelet count among children and shared warning signs that parents must never ignore.

Dr. Vijay Yewale, Head Pediatrician at Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai, said many parents panic when platelet counts begin to fall during dengue infection. However, he stressed that serious complications such as bleeding can occur even when platelet levels are not critically low.

“It is important to remember that while platelet count needs to be watched closely during dengue, serious complications such as bleeding, fluid leakage, or organ involvement can sometimes occur even when platelet levels are not very low,” Dr. Vijay said.

He explained that many children with low platelet counts recover completely with proper monitoring and supportive care.

According to Dr. Yewale, the most critical stage of dengue usually begins when the fever starts coming down and may last for 24 to 48 hours. During this phase, some children can rapidly progress to severe dengue due to plasma leakage.

“This can quickly become life-threatening, as fluid leaking from damaged blood vessels may lead to a drop in blood pressure and shock, impaired blood supply to vital organs, and failure of multiple organs. If not recognized and treated promptly, severe dengue can even result in death,” he added.

How Dengue Symptoms In Infants Are Different

Dr. Rahul Nagpal, Principal Director and Head of Pediatrics & Neonatology at Fortis Vasant Kunj, highlighted that dengue symptoms in infants and toddlers are often very different from those seen in older children and adults, making diagnosis more challenging.

“In infants and toddlers, dengue symptoms are often subtle and nonspecific. Unlike adults who commonly complain of severe headaches, muscle pain, or joint pain, young children may simply become irritable, unusually sleepy, less active, or unwilling to feed. In many cases, fever may be the only noticeable symptom during the early stage of infection,” Dr. Rahul told HealthandMe.

The doctors warned that infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to dehydration because of smaller fluid reserves. Their condition can quickly worsen due to:

• Fever,
• vomiting,
• poor feeding,
• fluid loss.

• dry lips,
• reduced urination,
• sunken eyes,
• absence of tears while crying,
• unusual lethargy.

Warning Signs Parents Should Not Ignore

The doctors advised parents to monitor warning signs beyond platelet numbers, which need immediate medical attention. This includes:

• persistent vomiting,
• severe stomach pain,
• bleeding from the gums or nose,
• unusual drowsiness,
• restlessness,
• breathing difficulty,
• dizziness,
• Reduced urine output
• abdominal swelling or pain,
• cold hands and feet,
• seizures.

Why Diagnosing Dengue In Children Is Still A Challenge

The experts noted that diagnosing dengue in infants can be difficult because its symptoms often resemble common viral infections. Additionally, young children cannot clearly express discomfort, making close observation by parents and healthcare providers extremely important during the dengue season.

There is also no specific antiviral treatment for dengue currently available for children. Management mainly includes adequate fluid intake, breastfeeding or frequent feeding for infants, rest, fever management using paracetamol, and careful medical monitoring. Aspirin and ibuprofen are generally avoided because they may increase the risk of bleeding.

Prevention Remains The Best Protection

Doctors reiterated that mosquito bite prevention remains the best protection against dengue, especially for infants and young children. The use of mosquito nets, protective clothing, and the elimination of stagnant water around homes were strongly recommended.

The experts added that with early diagnosis, proper hydration, and timely medical care, most children with dengue recover fully.