04 August,2023 06:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Neha Dhupia
In 2019, Neha Dhupia started the social media campaign, Freedom to Feed. With the initiative, the actor wanted to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding so that public spaces are made conducive for the act, and break the stigma surrounding it. Dhupia says that in the past four years, it has turned into a strong online community of over 55,000 mothers, parents and experts.
Bipasha Basu, Soha Ali Khan, Dia Mirza
To mark the ongoing Breastfeeding Awareness Week, she will now host live sessions with actor-mothers Bipasha Basu, Dia Mirza, Gauahar Khan and content creator Masoom Minawala. The idea is to shed light on their personal breastfeeding journeys, share insight, and address common misconceptions related to nursing.
For Dhupia, who is mother to Mehr and Guriq, the cause is incredibly close to her heart. "I have personally experienced the challenges and joys of breastfeeding. It's an empowering journey, but it's also essential to recognise that every mother's experience is unique and should be celebrated without judgment or shame. Through my initiative, I aim to shed light on this crucial aspect of motherhood and break the barriers that prevent mothers from openly embracing this natural process," she says.
This year, the actor will also take the initiative on ground, hosting an in-person conversation with actor Soha Ali Khan and wrestler Geeta Phogat in Mumbai on August 7. "I am determined to educate, dispel the myths, and foster a more supportive and inclusive environment for all mothers," adds Dhupia.