MEDICAL professionals, particularly those who work in the Maternal Unit in Guyana, began observing National Breastfeeding Week 2012 on Sunday, under the theme “Understanding the past – planning the Future”.

Benefitting from breastfeeding is the fundamental right of all children, and science has proven that breast milk is the perfect food for babies.
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Maternal Unit started its celebrations with an inter-faith service in the post-natal ward. The mothers who gave birth to the first male and female babies on Sunday were presented with hampers containing infant-related items.
The mothers were urged to learn as much as possible about breastfeeding, so that they can benefit from all its positives for themselves, for their babies and for the entire family.
Senior Departmental Supervisor – Maternity Unit, Sister June Cato, emphasised that even though this week is designated Breastfeeding Week, mothers are warned to be constantly educated about breastfeeding.
She noted that this week of activities indicates the seriousness the unit places on encouraging breastfeeding. With regard to the theme, Sister Cato explained that, in the past, people were not so much into breastfeeding; but now this has turned around.
Some of the other activities for the week include educational talks at the ante-natal clinic, a one-day workshop for new staff, and a mini fair.
Sister Arjune, speaking to the mothers, described breast milk as being as precious as gold, since it provides the child with all the nutritional needs required, and protects against illness during the early stages of the child’s life. She also encouraged mothers to clean their breasts, wear clean clothes, and feed their babies regularly.
Children who are breastfed do not get as many earaches and infections; they are much more resistant to diarrhoea, and grow up to be adults with reduced risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases and cancer.
Breastfeeding is not only best for babies, but it has been proven that breastfeeding mothers are less prone to ovarian and breast cancers.
Government has also established a policy towards breastfeeding for HIV positive mothers which involves providing a breastfeeding substitute for their infants. The intervention also caters for the provision of medication for HIV positive mothers who insist on breastfeeding, and the pediatric formulations for HIV positive children.
Breastfeeding and immunization are part of the Health Ministry’s national plan to improve child health in Guyana. This programme has made significant progress over the years.