Life Springs Parkland Hospital raises awareness in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week.

Life Springs Parkland Hospital hosted a breastfeeding awareness event on August 5 to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week, commemorated from August 1 and 7.
The event was to inform mothers at the maternity unit about the importance of breastfeeding.
Sister Thobile Mabaso, maternity unit manager, said the importance of breastfeeding is the provision of healthy nutrients and vitamins from the mother to the baby.

She encouraged new mothers to start breastfeeding as soon as possible.
“Breast milk helps to build the baby’s immunity so that they can be protected against infections and minor illnesses,” she said.
Some of the advantages for the baby include proper digestion, aids with baby’s weight and the prevention of illnesses and infections.
“For mothers, it helps them bond with the baby, helps shed baby fat and helps put mothers at a lower risk of cervical and breastfeeding cancer.”

Also read: Breastfeeding has many advantages for both baby and mother

Mabaso said some breastfeeding difficulties that mothers face is poor latching, which leads to the nipple being sore because the baby is not latching properly.
“The nipple and the areola must be inside the mouth. If the baby is struggling, this will cause nipple pain. Hence some mothers decide to stop breastfeeding.
“Also, if mothers have a low milk supply, it can be frustrating,” she said.
She added that poor family and social support may also add to the difficulties that mothers face.
“Our communities are very sceptical of breastfeeding in public. Women face critics when breastfeeding in public spaces,” she said.
Mabaso advised breastfeeding mothers to continue as long as they can, even when returning to work.
The good thing about breast milk is that it can be expressed and stored in the fridge when the mother is away.
The maternity unit and registered lactation consultants at the hospital offer support to mothers struggling to breastfeed their babies.

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