World Breastfeeding Week, an annual campaign run by the World Health Organisation (WHO), takes place from August 1 to 7.<\/p>\n
According to numerous studies, breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways of reducing child deaths and promoting healthy development.<\/p>
Beyond that, it has been found to reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type two diabetes and depression in mothers.<\/p>\n
\u201cBreast milk has the ideal nutrition for babies and it helps to prevent illness and infant death, as it contains key antibodies.<\/p>
\u201cFor moms, it aids with recovery after birth and strengthens the bond with their child,\u201d said Dr Howard Manyonga, an obstetrician and head of The Birthing Team, a programme in which maternity care and antenatal education is delivered by teams of healthcare professionals.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving teams that can provide quality medical services, as well as patient education and follow-ups after birth, is central to how we work \u2013 holistic care plans and ensuring moms have the right information is best practice medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n
In line with WHO guidelines, Manyonga recommended that breastfeeding starts within an hour after birth and that babies are given breast milk exclusively at first.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Warmer, safer and cleaner home for babies<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBabies need nothing else except breast milk for the first six months of life, not even water or juice.<\/p>\n “After that, solid foods can be introduced \u2013 but breast milk should continue to be a part of a babies\u2019 diet for two years or longer,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n In addition, skin-to-skin contact is recommended as it supports babies\u2019 latching correctly and bonding between mother and child.<\/p>\n \u201cAlmost all women are able to breastfeed, provided they are given the right information and support.<\/p>\n \u201cThe over-use of bottles and dummies is discouraged,\u201d said Manyonga.<\/p>\n \u201cAntenatal classes are important for ensuring that women have a healthy pregnancy and delivery, and that they are equipped to give their baby the best chance at development.\u201d<\/p>\n At the classes included in The Birthing Team\u2019s programme, women are taught about the benefits of breastfeeding, different methods and positions to try, and how to identify a problem with the babies\u2019 latching.<\/p>\n Facts about breastfeeding:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\u00a0Local company celebrates Madiba\u2019s life with the children<\/a><\/h4>\n
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