01/08/2023
WORLD
Breastfeeding
WEEK 2023 (August 1-7)
WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK IS OBSERVED TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF BREASTFEEDING FOR BOTH MOTHER AND CHILD.
THEME
THE THEME OF THIS YEAR'S WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK IS
"ENABLING BREASTFEEDING: MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR WORKING PARENTS". THE CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPACT OF WORKPLACE SUPPORT, PAID LEAVE, AND EMERGING PARENTING NORMS ON BREASTFEEDING. THE THEME ALSO AIMS TO BRING ABOUT CHANGES TO PARENTAL AND SOCIAL PARENTAL PROTECTION POLICIES IN THE LIGHT OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC.
TIPS FOR NEW MOMS.
- MAKE SURE YOU HAVE EVERYTHING READY
BEFORE YOU START TRYING TO BREASTFEED.
- MAKE SURE YOUR BABY IS POSITIONED WELL IN YOUR ARMS BEFORE YOU START NURSING.
- MAKE SURE THE NI**LE IS IN THE BABY'S MOUTH AND NOT JUST RESTING ON THEIR LIPS, THIS WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR THEM TO LATCH ON AND START SUCKING.
- GET COMFORTABLE! YOU MIGHT WANT TO SIT UP IN BED OR ON THE COUCH WITH PILLOWS BEHIND YOUR BACK AND UNDER YOUR KNEES IF THAT HELPS YOU FEEL MORE SUPPORTED.
- DON'T FORGET ABOUT NI**LE CREAM. IF YOUR NI**LES ARE CRACKED OR SORE, APPLYING SOME LANOLIN-BASED NI**LE CREAM CAN HELP MAKE THINGS MORE COMFORTABLE DURING FEEDINGS UNTIL THEY HEAL UP NATURALLY OVER TIME.
- DON'T FORCE IT! IF IT FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE OR PAINFUL AT FIRST, TRY TAKING A BREAK FOR AN HOUR OR TWO BEFORE TRYING AGAIN LATER ON, THIS WILL GIVE BOTH OF YOU TIME TO RELAX WHILE STILL GIVING BABY TIME WITH MOMMY'S MILK SUPPLY BUILDING UP INSIDE THEM SO THEY DON'T GO HUNGRY TOO LONG AFTER EATING FIRST TIME AROUND.
AND FINALLY, IF BREASTFEEDING ISN'T WORKING OUT FOR YOU, OR IF YOUR SUPPLY IS LOW, OR IF YOU HAVE TO WEAN EARLY, DO AWAY WITH THE GUILT.
THERE ARE ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO FEED YOUR BABY.
REMEMBER, A WELL FED BABY IS A HAPPY BABY.
AND A HAPPY BABY IS A HAPPY MAMA.
GOOD LUCK MAMAS.
Love, YBA
