Breastfeeding mums urged to donate milk

The Gauteng government urged breastfeeding mothers to donate their milk to public breastmilk banks to provide milk for pre-term infants admitted to public hospitals, as part of commemorating World Breastfeeding Week.

World Breastfeeding Week is held annually from August 1 to 7.

It calls for individuals, communities, society and originations to promote, protect and support breastfeeding and improve the health of babies.

“As a society, we have a shared responsibility to promote, protect and support breastfeeding to ensure children receive the best start in life and optimal health now and in future,” Gauteng health MEC Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi said.

“This cuts across society, we should encourage breastfeeding at our homes, at work and in our communities.”

This year, World Breastfeeding Week will be observed under the theme “protect breastfeeding: a shared responsibility”.

Mokgethi also said infant formula was not as good as breastmilk.

“With breastmilk, the baby receives optimal nutrition and there are lifetime health benefits for the child,” she said.

There are four public breastmilk banks that collect and provide breastmilk for infants admitted to hospitals across the province.

They are at the Kalafong tertiary hospital, west of Pretoria; Steve Biko academic hospital in the Moot; Sebokeng regional hospital in the Sebokeng district; and Leratong regional hospital in the West Rand district.

Mokgethi said any healthy breastfeeding women could donate their milk to their nearest facility or collection site such as the Dr George Mukhari academic hospital, north of Pretoria and the Thelle Mogoerane regional hospital in the Ekurhuleni district.

Women who wished to donate breastmilk would undergo a health screening.

“There is no doubt that breastfeeding is even more important now than ever,” acting health minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said.

Kubayi further said a decrease or lack of breastfeeding could seriously contribute to poor health, growth and development and survival of infants and young children.

“Scaling up on optimal breastfeeding could save 820 000 children and 20 000 maternal deaths each year globally. South Africa is not on track to meet the global target to improve the exclusive breastfeeding rate by 50% by 2025.

“Therefore, a concerted effort is required to achieve this target.”

Breastmilk banks could be contacted on:

– Kalafong tertiary hospital (076 772 4696)

– Steve Biko academic hospital (084 5875 457)

– Leratong regional hospital (083 306 4101)

– Sebokeng regional hospital (079 5135 903)

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