CNE report: Regional workshop on golden hour excellence in breastfeeding

Vijayakumari. D1*, Shalini H S2, Pavithra B3

1Nursing Educator, Kauvery Hospital, Electronic city, Bangalore

2CNO, Kauvery Hospital, Electronic city, Bangalore

3DNS, Kauvery Hospital, Electronic city, Bangalore

*Correspondence

Introduction

“Golden Hour: Where Love Begins, Bonding Grows, and Breastfeeding Starts.”

As part of the World Breastfeeding Week 2026 celebration, a one-day Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) programme on “Regional Workshop on Golden Hour Excellence in Breastfeeding” was conducted on 7th August 2026 at the RO Office Training Hall, Kauvery Hospital, Electronic City. The programme was organized to improve the knowledge and practical skills of healthcare professionals in providing effective breastfeeding support to mothers and newborns. The workshop mainly focused on the importance of the Golden Hour, early initiation of breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, correct breastfeeding positions and latching techniques, neonatal feeding, breast milk expression, counselling and complementary feeding. The programme included expert-led sessions, practical learning, pre and post assessment and participant feedback. The sessions were conducted by professionals from Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Neonatology, Paediatrics and Nursing, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of breastfeeding care.

Registration and pre-assessment

The programme commenced with registration and pre-assessment, conducted by Ms. Vijayakumari D, Nursing Educator. The pre-assessment was conducted to understand the participants’ existing knowledge regarding breastfeeding, lactation, Golden Hour practices and newborn feeding. It also provided a baseline for assessing the learning gained through the programme.

Anatomy & Physiology of Breast and Lactation

The first academic session on “Anatomy & Physiology of Breast and Lactation” was conducted by Dr. Suguna M, Consultant-Obstetrics & Gynaecology. The session covered the basic structure and functions of the breast and explained how breast milk is produced and released. The participants were also given an understanding of the factors that support successful lactation. The session helped participants relate the basic physiology of lactation to the practical care provided to breastfeeding mothers.

Lamp Lighting and Inauguration

The formal inauguration of the workshop was conducted through a lamp-lighting ceremony. The inauguration marked the beginning of the academic programme and highlighted the importance of strengthening breastfeeding support and promoting best practices from the beginning of a baby’s life.

Golden Hour & Early Initiation of Breastfeeding

Dr. Manjunath G, Lead Consultant-Neonatology & Paediatrics, conducted the session on “Golden Hour & Early Initiation of Breastfeeding.” The session highlighted the importance of the first hour after birth in establishing breastfeeding and strengthening mother–baby bonding. The importance of early initiation, skin-to-skin contact and providing timely support to the mother was discussed. Participants were also reminded of their role in helping mothers initiate and continue breastfeeding successfully.

Breastfeeding Position & Latching Techniques

The session on “Breastfeeding Position & Latching Techniques” was conducted by Ms. Chandrika, Labour Room Incharge. The session focused on the correct positioning of the mother & baby and the importance of proper attachment during breastfeeding. Common difficulties related to positioning and latching were discussed, along with ways to identify and correct them. The participants were encouraged to guide mothers patiently and provide practical support to make breastfeeding comfortable and effective.

Neonatal Feeding & Assessing Effective Breastfeeding

Dr. Mamatha R, Consultant-Paediatrics & Neonatology, along with Ms. Vincent Mary, NICU Incharge, conducted the session on “Neonatal Feeding and Assessing Effective Breastfeeding.” The session focused on newborn feeding and the importance of assessing whether the baby is feeding effectively. Participants were guided on observing feeding patterns and identifying early signs of feeding difficulties. The session emphasized timely assessment and appropriate support to ensure that newborns receive adequate nutrition.

Complementary Feeding – When, What & How?

The session on “Complementary Feeding: When, What & How?” was conducted by Dr. Neha Rajkumar Jain, Consultant-Neonatology & Paediatrics. The session provided information about the appropriate time to introduce complementary foods, suitable food choices and the importance of continuing breastfeeding along with complementary feeding. The participants were also guided on how to provide simple and clear information to parents regarding complementary feeding.

Practical Session – Breastfeeding Position, Latching, Expression of Breast Milk & Counselling

A detailed practical session on “Breastfeeding Position, Latching, and Expression of Breast Milk & Counselling” was conducted by Dr. Suguna M, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology. The session helped participants understand the practical aspects of breastfeeding support and apply the knowledge gained during the academic sessions.

The participants were guided on correct breastfeeding positions, proper latching, expression of breast milk and effective counselling techniques. The importance of listening to mothers, understanding their concerns, providing reassurance and giving simple and clear instructions was emphasized. The practical session helped participants gain greater confidence in supporting mothers with common breastfeeding concerns.

Post-Test

Following the academic and practical sessions, a post-test was conducted by Ms. Vijayakumari D, Nursing Educator. The post-test was used to assess the knowledge gained by the participants during the workshop. It also helped identify areas where further education and reinforcement may be required.

Vote of Thanks and Feedback

The programme concluded with Vote of Thanks and Feedback, coordinated by Dr. Sadiya, COE. Participants were given an opportunity to share their feedback regarding the sessions, resource persons, practical component and overall organization of the programme. The feedback will be useful in planning and improving future CNE programmes.

Impact of the Programme

The workshop provided participants with a good opportunity to update their knowledge and improve their practical skills related to breastfeeding support. The expert sessions covered both maternal and newborn aspects of breastfeeding, while the practical session helped participants understand how to apply the concepts in their day-to-day clinical practice. The programme particularly reinforced the importance of Golden Hour practices, early initiation of breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, correct positioning and latching, effective neonatal feeding assessment, breast milk expression and appropriate counselling. It also highlighted the importance of providing mothers with continuous encouragement and timely professional support.

The multidisciplinary approach of the programme helped participants understand that successful breastfeeding requires coordinated support from the entire healthcare team. The knowledge gained can be applied in labour rooms, postnatal wards, NICU, paediatric areas and other clinical settings where mothers and newborns require breastfeeding guidance.

Conclusion

The Regional Workshop on Golden Hour Excellence in Breastfeeding was successfully conducted as part of the World Breastfeeding Week 2026 celebration. The programme provided a useful combination of theoretical knowledge, practical learning and assessment, enabling participants to strengthen their understanding and confidence in breastfeeding support. The workshop reinforced the importance of starting breastfeeding early, supporting the mother during the Golden Hour, ensuring correct positioning and latching, assessing effective feeding and providing appropriate counselling. The knowledge and skills gained through the programme will help healthcare professionals provide consistent, supportive and mother-centred breastfeeding care.

Overall, the CNE programme contributed towards strengthening breastfeeding practices and reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding for better maternal & newborn outcome.

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