Hundreds of women from Gugulethu and surrounding communities gathered at Ikhwezi Community Centre for a workshop on breastfeeding on Friday 8 August.
The event – in the aftermath of World Breastfeeding Week, Friday 1 to Thursday 7 August – was organised by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and the City of Cape Town to encourage women to breastfeed and educate them on its importance.
Samantha Lee-Jacobs, communications officer of the Klipfontein Mitchells Plain Substructure of the Department of Health and Wellness, said its theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, reflected the overarching aims of the department’s Mother Baby Friendly Initiative, to create a good relationship between mothers and their children.
According to experts, breastfeeding provides several benefits for both babies and mothers. These include boosting immunity and deepening the bond between child and mother. Breastmilk is perfectly formulated to meet their nutritional needs and is easily digested. It also contains antibodies that protect against infections and chronic diseases such as asthma, allergies and certain cancers.
Despite all these benefits the figures of breastfeeding mothers remain very low.
A dietician at Gugulethu Community Health Centre, Zenande Xaluva, said the aim was to increase the number of mothers engaged in this vital area of nutrition.
“Currently, we have 32% of mothers who are breastfeeding in the country and we want to see the number increasing. We are also encouraging them to monitor what they are eating, because what they eat goes straight to the child.”
She said HIV-positive mothers can also breastfeed as long as they do not default on their the treatment.
Resident Anathi Mthambeka (24) from KTC described the event as informative, having learnt much. Six months pregnant, she said her morale and confidence were boosted.
“I don’t know what to expect, but the information I got from here makes me strong. I told the nurses I didn’t want to breastfeed, but they explained the importance of breast milk to a child, that it contains nutrients that assist in the baby’s development. So I think I will give it a try it and see if it works.” She said she also learnt about the importance of a good diet for a mother.
Mother of two Sharon Vangaye (36) from NY 112, said the event was exciting and more of these were needed in communities.
“In most cases we mislead one another. There are certain perceptions, including a myth that if one breastfeeds one’s breasts become flat and long. Initially I was so scared to breastfeed, but my mother forced me to do so. Today I learnt that milk from the breast is richer than formula.”
She urged other young parents to attend such events, describing them as helpful.
About Health and Wellness’ Mother Baby Friendly Initiative Lee-Jacobs said: “We ensure the newborns are placed skin-to-skin with their mothers immediately after birth for at least one hour. Mothers are taught Kangaroo Mother Care to strengthen bonding and growth.
“Also, there is ongoing breastfeeding support available at clinics and hospitals across the province.”
She urged those mothers who are struggling with breastfeeding to visit the nearest clinic and receive confidential advice from trained nurses.
“They can help with latching, milk supply and healthy eating for a mother and baby.”
