Latest update May 6th, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 20, 2014 News
In light of the current observance of National Breastfeeding Week, health workers attached to the Industry Health Centre, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Wednesday paid tribute to mothers who have been exclusively breastfeeding
their babies for the first six months of life.
This year, during the week of activities, emphasis was placed on the importance of breastfeeding and the nutritional intake of mothers.
On Wednesday, health officials from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) interacted with mothers at the clinic and shared helpful information on the importance and benefits of the practice. They also handed out tokens and hampers to the mothers.
Arjune Pritipaul, a representative of the Breastfeeding Committee at GPHC, noted the importance of supporting, promoting and safeguarding the legacy of breastfeeding.
She said that during this week mothers will be educated as well as encouraged to breastfeed.
“Almost every mother received a gift or token today. We want to encourage them to continue nurturing their babies by breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months and onwards to two years with complementary feeding.”
Pritipaul enlightened the mothers about ways in which they can assist in achieving the United Nations Millennium Developmental Goal (MDGs) through breastfeeding.
One of the Millennium Development Goals encourages member countries to reduce infant mortality by 2015
The team also facilitated discussions with family members, educating on ways in which they could help to support and encourage breastfeeding.
The committee representative noted that similar activities were conducted at Campbellville, Kitty, Sophia and other health centres across the country.
“We already visited various health posts which cater to a significant number of citizens to honour and educate mothers,” She said.
Studies have shown that breastfeeding has a host of benefits for mothers and babies. Stomach viruses, lower respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and meningitis occur less often in breastfed babies and are less severe when they do happen. The practice also helps to protect mothers against various types of cancers.
Dr. Karen Cummings, who is stationed at the Industry Health Centre, said that in addition to the other health benefits, breastfeeding creates a bond between a mother and her infant, helps with brain development in infants and prevents malnutrition and stunting of growth. She added that in some cases, breastfeeding may also prevent pregnancy.
She explained that during the time a mother is breastfeeding, it may also prevent conception.
Meanwhile, Dr. Saska Sertimer, who heads the centre, noted that the facility at Industry caters for mothers and infants from various communities on the East Coast of Demerara.
“As we celebrate National Breastfeeding Week under the theme Breastfeeding; a Winning Goal for Life, we are encouraging all mothers to continue to breastfeed. We are engaging them through our usual one- on -one talk and group sessions.”
Dr. Sertimer said that as part of the activities to promote breastfeeding, a committee will be established at the health centre.
“We are planning on establishing a breastfeeding committee at the centre. We want to identify those mothers, who have breastfed exclusively for six months, to form a support network to offer guidance and encouragement to other mothers,” Dr. Sertimer explained.
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