Data shows that breastfeeding is far more beneficial to a child’s overall development.
City Health has been advocating for exclusive breastfeeding where possible, as part of the provincial breastfeeding restoration plan which aims to have at least 50% of mothers breastfeeding their babies.
City clinics achieved the 50% rate in the past financial year, but are setting their sights on 80% to ensure a bigger, more far-reaching impact.
In one of the latest measures to ramp up breastfeeding education, City Health has, since 2021, employed a group of Infant Feeding Counsellors (IFCs) to engage new mothers visiting clinics on the benefits, and practicalities, of exclusive breastfeeding.
One of the success stories has been the Phumlani Clinic in Mitchell’s Plain, where the IFC facilitated 176 sessions between August 2022 and mid-June 2023, reaching 2 548 postnatal clients.
The net result was that the facility’s exclusive breastfeeding rate nearly doubled from 35% to 69%.
‘This case study shows what can be achieved with ongoing education and awareness drives, and providing support to mothers. We understand that there are some women who, for a variety of reasons, have to use formula, but breastfeeding should always be the first option. Apart from the nutritional benefits, there are also longer term health and developmental benefits, and so I urge mothers to invest in their children’s health and well-being. Our clinics are equipped to provide assistance and answer any questions or concerns you may have, so reach out and get all of the information that you need to make informed choices around your own health, but also the health of your unborn or newborn baby,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
BREASTFEEDING IN THE WORKPLACE
To mark World Breastfeeding Week, City Health conducted an outreach programme at In2Food in Strand on Tuesday, 1 August (pictured).
The programme addressed the benefits of breastfeeding, policies around breastfeeding in the workplace and how workplaces can move towards becoming breastfeeding-friendly spaces.
‘In many cases, mothers switch to formula after their maternity leave, because they are unable to express or store breast milk during the work day. So we are also asking employers to look at their existing facilities and what they can and should be doing to create enabling spaces. The City too has embarked on this journey, with the launch of the first Mother’s Lounge earlier this year. By supporting women on their breastfeeding journey, we are helping to ensure a brighter and healthier future for their child, and our communities,’ added Councillor Van der Ross.
