Sebokeng Hospital’s Dietetic Department staff members recently reached out to mothers in the Neonatal Unit, giving them the support they need to feel comfortable and confident about breastfeeding.
This was in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week which took place on 1-7 August.
Spokesperson Lerato Sedulawesi says, “The theme for this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is “A shared responsibility”, which means that new mothers shouldn’t hesitate to ask for assistance from elderly mothers or people who have breastfed before for them.
“We commemorated the day on 11 August. The event was designated to encouraging mothers to breastfeed in order to improve the health of their babies.”
The Dietetic Department led by Mpho Letsela spoke to the prem-mothers and mothers to be, about the importance of breastfeeding and the many health benefits it provides.
Letsela says, “The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies are well established, yet it can cause anxiety for many women. Breast milk is free and helps improve baby’s brain growth and development, helps the baby to bond with the mother and provides them with the nutrition and hydration that the baby needs.”
Letsela explained that it is important for the mother to breastfeed her baby with breastmilk only for at least the first six months of a baby’s life to achieve optimal growth, development and to protect them against communicable diseases.
“Conditions such as asthma, diabetes and obesity may be prevented through breastfeeding, while the psychological benefits for both mothers and their babies cannot be overemphasized.”
Mothers who tested positive for COVID-19 were also encouraged to breastfeed their babies if they follow the protocol of washing their hands, wearing the mask and ensuring that they only touch nothing but their breast and babies.
HIV positive mothers wete also informed that they can also breastfeed until the child is two years whilst on ARVs.
Sebokeng Hospital prides itself in having more experienced maternity staff members who are well positioned to lend advice and hands-on support on all aspects of baby care, including breastfeeding.
Maternity Unit Operational Manager Mahadi Mpshane says “We offer a personalized service, taking people’s individual needs into account, and consider it a privilege to assist in bringing new lives into this world.
“Our caring maternity staff members place a strong emphasis on providing quality care and nurturing mothers and babies before and after birth. It is our goal to give the little ones the best start in life and breastfeeding is a vital aspect of this.”
