Enabling Breastfeeding for a Healthier Generation

1 min read
b r

As World Breastfeeding Week approaches, it’s important to recognize and promote the benefits of breastfeeding while understanding the challenges faced by working parents. This year’s theme, “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents,” emphasizes the need for support for breastfeeding, particularly in the workplace.

City Health Promotes Exclusive Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for a child’s overall development, and City Health has been promoting exclusive breastfeeding as part of the provincial breastfeeding restoration plan. The goal is to have at least 50% of mothers breastfeeding their babies.

Infant Feeding Counselors Educate New Mothers

To increase awareness and education about breastfeeding, City Health has employed a group of Infant Feeding Counselors (IFCs) since 2021. These IFCs engage with new mothers visiting clinics, informing them about the benefits and practicalities of exclusive breastfeeding.

Success Story: Phumlani Clinic

The success story of Phumlani Clinic in Mitchell’s Plain demonstrates the power of ongoing education, awareness drives, and support for mothers. The IFC facilitated 176 breastfeeding education sessions between August 2022 and mid-June 2023, engaging with 2,548 postnatal clients. As a result, the facility’s exclusive breastfeeding rate nearly doubled from 35% to 69%.

Supporting Breastfeeding in the Workplace

One significant challenge faced by breastfeeding mothers is the lack of support in their workplace. Many mothers transition to formula feeding after maternity leave, as they are unable to express or store breast milk during the workday.

City Health Conducts Outreach Program

In response to this issue, City Health conducted an outreach program at In2Food in Strand on August 1, addressing the benefits of breastfeeding, policies around breastfeeding in the workplace, and how workplaces can become breastfeeding-friendly spaces.

Creating Enabling Spaces for Breastfeeding Mothers

Councillor Van der Ross encouraged employers to evaluate their existing facilities and consider creating enabling spaces for breastfeeding mothers. The City has taken steps towards this goal, launching its first Mother’s Lounge earlier this year.

Breastfeeding provides numerous long-term health and developmental benefits for children, and supporting mothers in healthcare facilities and workplaces is crucial to achieving higher breastfeeding rates and ensuring the well-being of future generations. Stakeholders, including healthcare providers and employers, must work together to create an environment where breastfeeding is encouraged and supported.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

South Africa’s Efforts to Combat Rhino Poaching

Next Story

The Impact of Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety on Rural Areas

Latest from Blog

Cape Town’s Transformative Toy Libraries: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Development

Cape Town’s toy libraries are changing how young children learn by creating fun and exciting places to play and grow. With 24 vibrant libraries, kids can explore new stories and play with educational toys that help them develop important skills. Educators also benefit, gaining access to helpful resources that enhance teaching methods. This initiative not only supports children’s growth but also encourages a love for learning that can last a lifetime. As these libraries thrive, they inspire communities everywhere to embrace the joy of learning through play.

Innovative Urban Water Management: Embracing Wastewater Package Plants

Wastewater package plants are small, smart facilities that help cities manage dirty water in a cleaner way. They are easy to install and can be placed where big treatment plants can’t go, making them super useful for crowded urban areas. Recently, a workshop brought together many people to learn how to set up and run these plants, highlighting their importance for public health and the environment. By using these innovative systems, cities can boost their economies while making sure they take care of our precious water resources.

Confronting Illegal Mining in South Africa: A Complex Battle

South Africa is fighting against illegal mining with a strong team of police, soldiers, and private security. They’ve recently targeted a large group of about 6,500 illegal miners in Ekurhuleni, where hidden tunnels and makeshift homes showed the extent of this underground world. While these operations can push miners away temporarily, true solutions need to address the economic struggles that drive people to these risky jobs. The goal is to create lasting change that not only protects the environment but also offers communities new opportunities for a better life.

Balancing Tradition and Safety: Cape Town’s Fireworks Policy

Cape Town is getting ready for exciting celebrations like Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night, but there are important rules about fireworks! To keep everyone safe, people must get permission from the police and have their event checked by the Fire and Rescue Service. While many love the colorful displays, some worry about noise and the danger to pets and wildlife. As the city balances fun traditions with safety, it’s clear that thoughtful celebrations can light up the sky without causing chaos below.