HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Zurich, Switzerland or Virtually from your home or work.

Dr. Santosh Kumar Mishra,

 

Dr. Santosh Kumar Mishra,

S. N. D. T. Womens University, Mumbai, India (Retired)

Abstract Title: Strategies for Addressing Neonatal Mental Health Care

Biography:

Dr. Santosh Kumar Mishra is Independent Researcher (Scholar), having retired from Population Education Resource Centre, Department of Lifelong Learning & Extension, S.N.D.T. Women's University, Mumbai, India. He underwent training in demography & acquired Ph. D. He has authored 6 booklets, 4 books, 31 book chapters, 109 journal articles, 2 monographs, 7 research studies, & 119 papers for national & international conferences (some with bursary). He has been awarded with Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, & 2024; and conferred with Excellence of Research Award for outstanding contribution & recognition in the field of agriculture in 2021. 

Research Interest:

Title: Key Considerations in Management of Infant and Young Child Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding [also termed as ‘chest-feeding’ (defined as “act of feeding breast milk to an infant”)] has many benefits: both for mothers and their babies. It helps build immune system among infants, and offer perfect nutrition. Breastfeeding is key for (a) “improving child survival”, and (b) “promoting healthy growth during later stages of life span”. It is recommended that first 2 years of a child’s life are important, as optimal nutrition during this period (1) “lowers morbidity, and mortality”; (2) “reduces risks of chronic diseases”; and (3) “fosters enhanced health outcomes”. Objective of this evidence-based review paper is to present discussion on key considerations in management of infant and young child breastfeeding. Secondary date (‘qualitative’ in nature) have been used, and method of data analysis is ‘descriptive’.  Analysis of data in this work indicates that the practice of (exclusive) breastfeeding during 6 months brings in several benefits for infants and mothers (health benefits for mothers include reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer). In terms of management strategies, capacity building of community level health workers is key in improving breastfeeding practices among pregnant and lactating women. Within this context, health care providers have an important role to play in support of breastfeeding. Further, the author of this research argues that it is equally important to (routinely) offer support and counselling during ante-natal care for preparing mothers to initiate breastfeeding. Furthermore, midwives and nurses have potential to play a vital role in globally promoting breastfeeding practices. Skilled breastfeeding support, therefore, prevents (a) childhood infections and (b) mortality. This abstract briefly concludes that early initiation of breastfeeding (within 1 hour of birth) (1) “protects the new-borns from acquiring infections”, and (2) “reduces mortality”. There is, thus, need for health care providers (more specifically community health workers) in implementing intervention strategies that promote breastfeeding.