The importance of breastfeeding

Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital recently commemorated World Breastfeeding Week.

This commemoration took place earlier in the month and was celebrated under the theme ‘Protect breastfeeding: A shared responsibility’. During this time, the hospital strengthened and emphasised the importance of breastfeeding to mothers.

The hospital’s CEO, Dr Nozuko Mkabayi, together with her nursing staff, a medical officer from Empilweni clinic and dietitians educated patients on the importance of breastfeeding babies, the impact it has when one is HIV positive and the healthy diet mothers need to acquire.

During one of the talks, Sister Sireena Manipersad empowered the mothers in the antenatal clinic to feed their babies anywhere and anytime and highlighted the need for broad-based support across society. Mkabayi added, “We as a society need to break the stigma of breastfeeding in public and, instead, start educating in schools, religious places and all over, because we need to ensure our moms feel valued for the great choice they are making in breastfeeding their babies.”

The hospital’s registered dietician, Taryn Bortz, informed mothers that breastfeeding babies reduced the risks of ovarian and breast cancer, promoted bonding, helped with post-partum weight loss and decreased post-partum bleeding. Thalia Ferreira, a medical officer at Empilweni clinic (a clinic that deals with HIV-related conditions), urged mothers living with HIV to safely breastfeed their babies exclusively for at least six months and adhere to antiretroviral treatment.

Mothers received gifts from staff members for their babies as a token of appreciation as they continue to breastfeed.