Lactation centre at Bara celebrates 10 years

Ronald McDonald’s House Charities (RMHC) together with McDonald’s South Africa held a momentous occasion at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital on Thursday, February 29.

This was the celebration and relaunching of the Family Rooms and the first ever Lactation Centre for moms and babies.

The event marked ten years of the Family Rooms existence at the hospital, as well the RMHC Lactation Centre as a significant enhancement tool for families and children undergoing medical treatment.

It is also aimed at offering a private, comfortable and supportive environment for mothers to express milk.

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Greg Solomon, CEO of McDonald’s SA and board member of RMHC said, “We felt that the closest way that we can protect nutrition and health of the babies is to make sure that milk is expressed in a safe and hygienic way through the Lactation Centre for moms. With this small yet impactful project for this hospital, we intend to provide hope, caring and family love.”

During the walk about around the refurbished Family Rooms and Lactation Centre, Prof Sithembiso Velaphi, Paediatrics head of Department emphasised the importance of breast milk.

According to Prof Velaphi, breast milk protects against infections, allowing babies to grow normally and help with development. It has been shown through research that if mothers provide breast milk to babies especially those who are born pre-term, they survive infections.

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“When we look at babies dying, at the top of the list is prematurity and following are the infections. Infections are a major challenge for us, hence bringing breast milk that will reduce these infections is something big for their survival,” Prof Velaphi explained.

Meanwhile, these rooms signify the restoration of dignity for mothers. Before these rooms were established at Baragwanath hospital, mothers used to sit outside on the lawn and express milk out in the open without privacy and dignity.

10 years ago RMHC saw the impactful outcome that these rooms will bring to families, mothers and babies. It is another way of protecting babies from being infected while providing moms with a dignified space to express milk.

“After witnessing mothers sitting on the lawn next to the Neonatal ICU expressing milk in the sun, we saw that this project will bring a safe space where we can offer safety but mostly dignity to mothers,” said Dr Pinky Chirwa, Clinical Director at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and board member at RMHC.

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“These rooms have become where they can connect, bond and speak about their shared experiences. A progress from family rooms to spaces of dignity where they can express milk without prying eyes.”

The upgrades of the Family Rooms and the introduction of the Lactation Centre have been designed with the needs of families in mind. They are sanctuaries where mothers can find peace and strength.