The importance of nutrition within the early stages of a baby’s life and mentorship for young mothers was highlighted during a breastfeeding awareness campaign held at the Lotus River Civic Centre on Tuesday 5 August.
The event was hosted by the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Government Health and Wellness Department who celebrated World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) from Friday 1 August to Thursday 7 August.
In celebration of WBW, the City partnered with other stakeholders to host “First 1 000 Days” events in four communities this week: Lotus River (5th), Wallacedene (6th), Macassar (7th) and Gugulethu (8th).
The dieticians stationed at various hospitals across the Cape Metro availed their time for concerned mothers during a breastfeeding awareness campaign held at the Lotus River Civic Centre on Tuesday 5 August. Photo: Keanan Harmse 
Fruits were encouraged for mothers to eat whilst carrying their children and junk food was strongly opposed at the dietician’s desk. 
A diet consisting of pasta, butternut and chicken was encouraged for children who are 9-11 months old. 
The Community Arts and Culture Development Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre’s workers, Taahir’s Kassiem and Mikaeel Domingo educated guests on the stages of fetal alcohol syndrome in young children. Here they are alongside Ward 67 councillor Geraldine Gordon 
Over 50 guests attended this year’s breastfeeding awareness campaign held at the Lotus River Civic Centre on Tuesday 5 August.
These gatherings are tailored for pregnant women and mothers with their babies, along with partners and support persons, and will provide an interactive platform to access a basket of maternal, women and child health-related information and services, the City said.
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme dubbed: “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, highlights the importance of seeking help and guidance for young mothers.
“For the first six months of life, babies need nothing but breastmilk, a complete, living food that protects them from illness and helps them grow strong. Even after starting solid foods at six months, breastmilk continues to be a vital source of nutrients and comfort,” said spokesperson at the southern western sub-structures department of health and wellness, Jihaan Opperman.
People’s Post spoke with dieticians Aesha Isaacs and Cassandra Alexander who offered expert advice on a healthy diet that mothers should follow while carrying their children.
“We try to support mothers that are pregnant and gearing them up for when their babies are born. We’re encouraging breastfeeding up until two years of life, which is the first trials and days which start at conception up until the child’s second birthday,” said Issacs.
Alexander said some parents neglect the importance of the pregnancy period.
“So they’ll carry on smoking and drinking not realising that it already has an effect on the child’s physical, mental and emotional development while in utero. So while highlighting the first trials and days we’re putting the emphasis on the fact that it matters what you’re eating and how you’re interacting with your baby before the birth,” Alexander said.
The Community Arts and Culture Development Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre’s workers Taahir’s Kassiem and Mikaeel Domingo based in Claremont (region 4) also educated guests on the stages of fetal alcohol syndrome in children.
At the workshops it was mentioned that many young mothers still struggle with breastfeeding.
“For many mothers, breastfeeding isn’t easy. Sore nipples, worries about milk supply, and returning to work can make it challenging. That’s why support from family, employers, and the wider community is critical,” Opperman said.
She also encourages mothers to seek guidance if they are unsure how to properly breastfeed.
“If you are struggling with breastfeeding, you’re not alone. Visit your nearest clinic for free, and receive confidential advice from trained nurses. They can help with latching, milk supply, and healthy eating for you and your baby,” Opperman said.
The City will also continue its Infant Feeding Counselling Project. Through this initiative, trained Expanded Public Works Programme workers will be deployed to provide dedicated support to pregnant women and postnatal mothers on optimal infant feeding practices. “This project helps create a sustainable, community-level support system that prioritises the nutritional needs of infants while empowering mothers. It is a real investment in the health and future of Cape Town’s youngest citizens,” added Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham.
