Mothers encouraged to breastfeed

Port Shepstone Regional Hospital discourages mothers from using bottles and dummies for their newborn babies while they are in the hospital.

This was revealed by Sister Ntombifikile Khawula, the hospital’s operational manager in charge of the nursery unit, at a recent breastfeeding awareness campaign.

The campaign was held in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Outpatient Department in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, which ran from August 1 to 7.

Matron Zithobile Ngxumza, who is the assistant nursing manager for obstetrics and gynaecology, led the campaign.

She said the campaign aimed to promote breastfeeding as the optimal feeding method for infants.

Ngxumza explained that the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life means the baby must receive only breast milk, and no other liquids or solid foods must be given, not even water.

She said exclusive breastfeeding boosts the baby’s immune system and reduces infection risks to help with the mother’s recovery after childbirth.

She added that it reduces the risk of breast cancer for the mother, as well as creating a long-term bond between the mother and the baby.

Also, during the programme, mothers raised key questions on challenges such as low milk supply, breastfeeding while HIV positive, managing cracked nipples, and storing milk in the freezer.

In response, mothers were encouraged to breastfeed at least eight to 12 times in 24 hours, maintain skin-to-skin contact, stay hydrated, and ensure proper latching.

“In cases of persistent low supply, referral to a lactation consultant or clinic nurse was advised. The Department of Health’s guidance is that HIV-positive mothers who are on effective antiretroviral therapy can safely exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, as this significantly reduces the risk of transmission,” said Ngxumza.

She added that mothers are encouraged to place freshly expressed milk in sterilised containers, labelled with the date, and stored in the freezer for up to six months at 18 degrees celsius or lower.

Ngxumza said the hospital was accredited as a baby-friendly facility, meaning that all babies under six months old on the premises should be fed exclusively with breast milk, either directly or using a cup.

“For admitted patients, the hospital provides cups to the mothers. For outpatients, mothers are expected to bring cups from home and keep them in the baby’s bag. Information was distributed via pamphlets, and mothers were encouraged to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, thereafter continuing alongside complementary foods for up to two or three years,” she said.

She further called on the broader community to embrace breastfeeding for healthier families and stronger communities.

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