Lahore: Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore on Monday organised a one-day training workshop titled “Beyond Myths, Into Her Arms” to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week, aiming to promote evidence-based breastfeeding practices among healthcare professionals.
The workshop was jointly organised by the Department of Pediatrics, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, UNICEF, and the Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan (MWAP). It focused on enhancing the knowledge and practical skills of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers regarding the scientific benefits of breastfeeding, evidence-based clinical practices, dispelling common myths, and providing effective support to mothers, particularly in special clinical situations.
In a joint message, Chairperson and Dean Prof. Dr. Ayesha Humayun and Executive Director Dr. Muhammad Hatif Iqbal said breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for newborns and plays a vital role in healthy growth, stronger immunity, and improved maternal health. They stressed that healthcare institutions have a responsibility to provide mothers with accurate, evidence-based information to eliminate misconceptions about breastfeeding and ensure every child receives the best possible nutrition from the beginning of life.
They also reaffirmed Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore’s commitment to promoting maternal and child health through continuous educational and professional training initiatives.
The scientific sessions were conducted by Dr. Lubna Riaz, Head of the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology at Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore and UNICEF Master Trainer, and Prof. Fouzia Ishaq, Head of the Department of Pediatrics at Fatima Jinnah Medical University and UNICEF Master Trainer. They delivered comprehensive presentations on the scientific benefits of breastfeeding, international best practices, breastfeeding management in special clinical situations, and case-based learning.
The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Asfand Tariq, Dr. Neelam Faryad, Dr. Salman Gondal, and Dr. Sajid Iqbal. It was attended by a large number of faculty members, postgraduate trainees, house officers, nursing staff, medical students, and other healthcare professionals, demonstrating their collective commitment to improving maternal and child health through evidence-based breastfeeding practices.
Prof. Dr. Ayesha Humayun attended the event as the chief guest, while Dr. Muhammad Hatif Iqbal, Dr. Wajeeha Rizwan, President of the Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan, and Prof. Nasreen Ehsan participated as guests of honour.