World Breastfeeding Week observed

In commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week 2023, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs recently stepped-up efforts to influence policy makers, employers, and families to encourage mothers to breastfeed.
This year, World Breastfeeding Week is being observed under the theme “Enabling Breastfeeding, Making a Difference for Working Mothers.” During his annual address, the Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste, gave insight into the benefits of breastfeeding.
“As a country with a high prevalence of NCDs, breastfeeding can be a simple act of prevention. There is evidence that breastfeeding reduces the risk of some cancers, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. I therefore encourage women to breastfeed as long as they can. Remember that breast milk is the gold standard for nutrition, healthy growth, development and protection.”
The minister continued by urging employers to encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies for as long as they can.
“Exclusive breastfeeding is encouraged from birth to six months, as breast milk provides all the nutrition a baby needs at this stage. After six months, mothers are encouraged to continue breastfeeding while gradually introducing solid foods to babies. Employers, you can support breastfeeding by providing mothers time and a place to breastfeed their babies and store the breast milk. Flexible schedules to accommodate breastfeeding which will reduce separation of women from the babies after maternity leave can also be considered.”
World Breastfeeding Week is recognized annually from Aug. 1 to 7.