The dietitians from the Leratong Hospital recently joined the world in celebrating Breastfeeding Week between August 1 and 7 by educating, demonstrating and supporting breastfeeding mothers in the hospital.

Thobeka Makhubela from the hospital explained that the theme for 2022 was ‘Step up for breastfeeding: Educate and Support’.

This global campaign aims to raise awareness about breastfeeding and its advantages. World Breastfeeding Week aims to highlight the huge benefits that breastfeeding can bring to the health and welfare of babies, and to maternal health, focusing on good nutrition, poverty reduction, and food security,” Thobeka said.

The dietitians department had their week planned and packed with activities for the women in the hospital. Some of the key points they pointed out about breastfeeding were positioning, attachment and skin to skin.

Correct positioning of the infant ensures that the mother and infant are comfortable. The infant should be close to the mother and well aligned. This adds to the ease of breastfeeding.

The correct attachment of the infant to the breast ensures that the infant will be fed without interrupting milk flow, and a deep swallow will be achieved. This leads to satiety after each milk feed and regularly placing the infant on the mother’s chest promotes bonding, increased milk production and growth for the infant.