Breastfeeding takes centre stage annually between 1 and 7 August, during World Breastfeeding Week.
The theme this year is ‘closing the gap – breastfeeding support for all’.
City Health is a major advocate for breastfeeding, particularly its importance in a child’s first 1000 days.
The right to nutrition during this window can have a profound impact on a child’s ability to develop and learn. Breastfeeding is one of the key interventions for building the foundation of healthy development during this period.
City Health has been advocating for breastfeeding as part of its Basic Antenatal Care (BANC) programme.
In recent years, the department introduced an Infant Feeding Counsellors (IFC) pilot project at some clinics, to drive education and awareness efforts with new mothers.
One of the shining examples in the project was Langa Clinic, where the exclusive breastfeeding rate accelerated from 28% in July 2023, to 88% in May 2024.
‘This is the kind of progress we want to see, in the interests of child health. Unfortunately, we are not able to get consistent rates of breastfeeding at all of our facilities. This means the overall breastfeeding rate is still stagnant at 50%. While that meets the target set by the World Health Organisation, we need to push on and increase the rate even further as an 80% exclusive breastfeeding rate will improve child health outcomes for all. Children who are breastfed have a reduced vulnerability to childhood disease and illness, so an investment in breastfeeding, is an investment in your child’s health,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
In this financial year, City Health will continue to invest in training and mentoring for clinic staff to expand its breastfeeding advocacy reach.
All women are able to breastfeed unless medically indicated due to medication that is contraindicated for breastfeeding that will be harmful to the baby.
Breastmilk is always the right start for all babies. Nearly half of diarrhoea cases and a third of respiratory infections is due to a lack of breastfeeding and poor infant feeding practices.
Tips for moms or soon-to-be moms:
· If you breastfeed on demand for as long as the baby wants, that will ensure enough breastmilk supply for as long as the baby needs it.
· Relax and embrace breastfeeding to ensure milk flow
· Breastfeeding is affordable and will also help reduce your carbon footprint
