“Breast is Best” is the message the nursing and nutrition departments of the Ministry of Health and Wellness continue to drive home to Pregnant women and Nursing mothers. Exclusive breastfeeding of a baby for at least the first six months of their life is being promoted as the method which is in the best interest of both the baby and mother.
Nutritional Officer Mary Anna Gaspard-Phillip stated, when other foods are introduced to early to the babies it can adversely affects their growth and development.
The Nutritional Officer notes that a tighter bond is created between mother and baby during breastfeeding as opposed to being bottle fed which has psychological benefits for the baby as well. Breast milk has antibodies which help protect babies from many illnesses. It also contains fatty acids which helps baby’s brains and eyes to develop properly. Breast milk also lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is the unexplained sudden death of a baby under one year of age.
Phillip indicated that 15 – 20% of the average household income can be spent in purchasing baby formula during the first six months of a baby’s life which is a huge cost when compared to exclusive breast feeding.
The exclusive breastfeeding sensitization workshop was conducted at the Entrepot Wellness Centre as part of activities in recognition of World Breast Feeding Week, August 1st – 7th.
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