The West Rand District Health Department kick-started its Breastfeeding Week on August 5 at Umphakathi Mall in Mohlakeng, in effort to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding.

Another purpose of the event was to put an end to the stigma women sometimes face when breastfeeding in public, and encourage them to start breastfeeding immediately after their children’s birth up until the age of two years, or even longer.

World Breastfeeding Week was celebrated from August 1 till August 7, and this year’s theme was to support mothers in their breastfeeding journey.

Rand West Sub-District dietitian Charmaine Raseroka said the campaign was aimed at getting enough information to the community so that they too can understand and encourage women in their different households to breastfeed.

This year’s theme is really about supporting mothers in their journey while breastfeeding, and also trying to sustain breastfeeding as a whole.

“The reasons for this is that breast milk has all the nutrients a baby needs and also contains enough water to keep the baby hydrated. That is why we always encourage mothers to stay away from formula milk and giving babies solid food.

“Breast milk also contains antibodies that help to boost a baby’s immune system which helps them fight against infections,” said Raseroka who added that encouraging mothers to breastfeed will go a long way towards relieving the burden of the costs associated with formula milk.