Breastfeeding Week focuses on overall benefits
(CNS Local Life): As part of initiatives to raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding to the growth and development of healthy children, the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) will collaborate with several local groups on promotional activities during World Breastfeeding Week, set for 1-7 August. The annual world breastfeeding observance aims to emphasise that breastfeeding is not just a woman’s issue or the sole responsibility of a woman – it affects the planet and its people, and is a responsibility that must be shared by all.
This year the global focus of the week is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on four areas: “Environment and climate change”, “Nutrition, food security and poverty reduction”, “Survival, health and wellbeing” and “Women’s productivity and employment”.
The Breastfeeding Support Group and the Bedside Manor store in Camana Bay will once again host their annual public “Got Milk” event to promote and discuss breastfeeding and related topics, at 3pm on Friday, 4 August.
According to the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), breastfeeding has many benefits, including:
- The health of our planet is affected by the way babies are fed. Breast milk is a renewable food that is produced and delivered without pollution, packaging or waste, thereby contributing to reduction of the carbon footprint.
- Breastfeeding also contributes to the reduction of poverty. It is a natural and low-cost way of feeding babies and children that does not burden household budgets compared to artificial feeding, and contributes significantly to long-term health.
- Breastfeeding is a key contributor to the survival, health and wellbeing of infants. Put simply, it provides babies with the best possible start in life.
Simone Sheehan, HSA dietician, strongly advocates that mothers initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of life and extend exclusive breastfeeding into the first six months. Exclusive breastfeeding means the infant only receives breast milk without any additional food or drink, including water. It provides all the water, high quality nutrients and energy a baby needs and is a means of food security for infants.
“Breastfeeding not only significantly improves the health of infants and young children, but improves mental and cognitive development thus promoting learning as well,” Sheehan said. “The experience can also be satisfying and empowering for the mother.”
Among the SDGs being proposed for adoption by UN member countries is the implementation of legislation to support the rights of mothers to breastfeed in public.
To find out about Breastfeeding Week activities, email Simone Sheehan. For further information relating to the Breastfeeding Support Group call 945-1751 or email the group
Category: Medical and Health
