The first National Breastfeeding Symposium was held…

The 1st National Breastfeeding Symposium was organized by Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences Midwifery Department and the Miracle First Touch Club, affiliated with the Department of Health, Culture and Sports (SKS), within the scope of October 1 World Breastfeeding Week. The symposium, held with the theme “Midwife Support for Breastfeeding, Safe Investment in the Future,” was attended by many experts in the field. Within the scope of the symposium, it was emphasized that breastfeeding is not only a form of nutrition, but also one of the most valuable investments for the future to raise healthy generations. 

The symposium, held at Üsküdar Üniversitesi NP Health Campus Ibn-i Sina Auditorium, was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Deputy Head of the Midwifery Department Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayça Demir Yıldırım, Dr. Lecturer Günay Arslan, Dr. Lecturer Arzu Akdemir, Dr. Lecturer Burcu Fırat, Lecturer Didem Kurap Öcebe, Lecturer Meryem Koçaslan Toran, Specialist Midwife Pınar Mallı, as well as academics and students.

Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak: “Mother’s embrace is the first address of trust and love”

Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak delivered the opening speech of the program. 

Koçak, drawing attention to the order in human creation and the importance of motherhood, said: “Unlike other living beings, when humans come into the world, they need their mother for a long time. A mother's embrace is the first address of both trust and love. Breastfeeding is not just a feeding act, but a safe investment in the child's future.” 

Koçak also stated that the contact between mother and child creates not only a physical but also a spiritual bond; “That first touch is a miracle. It activates the happiness hormone and reinforces feelings of love and trust.” 

Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin: “Breastfeeding is an investment in the future”

Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin delivered a presentation titled “The Critical Role of Breastfeeding in Maternal and Infant Health.” 
Ertekin emphasized that breastfeeding is not limited to the first six months; “The World Health Organization recommends continuing breastfeeding up to 24 months. This process is not only about nutrition but also an investment in the child’s future.” 

Ertekin stated that breastfeeding carries physical and psychological benefits for both mother and baby, playing a critical role in raising healthy and self-confident individuals. 

Presentations on breastfeeding were delivered 

Deputy Head of the Midwifery Department Dr. Lecturer Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan, in her presentation titled “Strengthening Breastfeeding Support in the Health System: Investing in the Future,” emphasized the place of breastfeeding support in the health system and the importance of the midwife’s role. 

Dr. Lecturer Ayça Demir Yıldırım, in her presentation on “Stronger Futures in Health and Society with Breastfeeding,” touched upon the effects of breastfeeding on individual and societal health. 

Specialist Midwife Pınar Mallı, in her presentation titled “Strengthening and Sustaining Breastfeeding with Midwife Support,” discussed the role of midwife support in strengthening the mother-baby bond.

Dr. Lecturer Arzu Akdemir, in her presentation “Mother on the Breastfeeding Journey: Awareness-Based Breastfeeding,” explained the importance of an awareness-based approach.

Dr. Lecturer Günay Arslan, in her presentation titled “Continuity of Breastfeeding and its Protective Role in Child Health,” drew attention to the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding.

The symposium concluded after the presentation of certificates of appreciation and a photo session.