Child Help Foundation is conducting a baseline study on children’s health in the Vikramgad block of Palghar taluka. This study will collect data on the health status of children (from predominantly tribal communities) of 10 government run/aided ashram schools, in Talwade and Vikramgad Taluka of Palghar district. The program aims to set up a technologically sound Health Information System (HIS) to enable tracking of children with presenting problems such as anaemia, and other chronic childhood illnesses and conditions. The program also aims to inculcate and track the uptake of healthy behaviour (personal hygiene, seeking medical care, treatment adherence etc.) of children in these schools. The program is a Public-Private–Partnership model implemented with government consultation and partnership, and supported by L&T Public Charitable Trust.
With our focus being on providing children with access to health and education, we started working on the health of mothers and infant children. Breastfeeding is the most natural and important aspect of mother-child bonding and child nutrition, and it should be encouraged. Pediatricians advise mothers to avoid giving their babies even water until they reach the age of six months.
However there is still some stigma and embarrassment associated with mothers breastfeeding their babies in public. To promote breastfeeding, Child Help Foundation has built Baby Feeding Centers (BFC). They provide a safe, clean and hygienic environment for mothers and infants across various hospitals and railway stations across India.
In collaboration with the Indian Railways, currently, we have BFCs available in Maharashtra and West Bengal. We have also constructed BFCs in Kerala (Kochi) hospitals. Maternal and Child Care being one of the focus areas of Child Help Foundation, we plan to construct more such Baby Feeding Centers across India to promote infant and child health.
The cabins are painted yellow and carry a representative logo of breastfeeding on the door. Each cabin is equipped with a seat for the mother, a fan, and a light. The cabin is well ventilated with tinted windows and curtains.
The station authority and housekeeping staff of the Indian railways look after the cleanliness and maintenance of the BFC cabins.
The BFC ventures on railway platforms were a big success therefore Child Help Foundation expanded the project in hospitals and other public places. Especially during the pandemic phase, when mothers and their babies waited in line for various tests, the need for babies to be breastfed appeared to be a high priority in hospitals.
