Breastfeeding takes centre stage annually between Thursday 1 and Wednesday 7 August during World Breastfeeding Week.
This year’s theme is “Closing the gap – Breastfeeding support for all”.
City of Cape Town Health is a major advocate of breastfeeding, particularly its importance in a child’s first 1 000 days, which is crucial for healthy development.
The City aims to meet the national target of 50% of infants under six months being exclusively breastfed by 2025. The department has promoted breastfeeding as part of its Basic Antenatal Care programme.
In recent years the department introduced an Infant Feeding Counsellors pilot project at some City clinics, to drive education and awareness efforts with new mothers. While some clinics such as Langa have shown significant progress the overall breastfeeding rate in the city and surrounds remains at 50%.
This rate meets the World Health Organisation’s target, but falls short of the desired 80% that could greatly enhance child-health outcomes.
“Children who are breastfed have a reduced vulnerability to childhood disease and illness, so an investment in breastfeeding is an investment in your child’s health,” said Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee member for Community Services and Health.
In this financial year City Health will continue to invest in training and mentoring for clinic staff to expand its breastfeeding advocacy reach.
All women are able to breastfeed unless medically indicated due to medication that is contraindicated for breastfeeding that will be harmful to the baby.
Breastmilk is always the right start for all babies. Nearly half of diarrhoea cases and a third of respiratory infections is due to a lack of breastfeeding and poor infant feeding practices.
- Breastfeeding on demand for as long as the baby wants will ensure enough breastmilk supply for as long as the baby needs it.
- Relax and embrace breastfeeding to ensure milk flow.
- Breastfeeding is affordable and will also help reduce your carbon footprint.
