DOHA: To mark World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), healthcare providers in the country are hosting a number of events and the activities to encourage the practice and create more awareness.
Activities by the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) are being held until August 9, on social media and across the institutions for staff, patients, and visitors.
An exhibition gallery has been set up in the main entrance at Women Wellness and Research Centre(WWRC) and it includes educational resources and presentations on breastfeeding. The exhibition, which will remain open until August 7, will also include small discussion groups where women will meet each day between 9am and 1pm to talk about their experiences with breastfeeding.
Al Wakra Hospital will host an interactive information booth in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. The booth, which will be staffed by lactation specialists and nursing staff, will remain open from 8am to 12pm between August 5 and August 9.
While, the PHCC has held several awareness events across health centres to educate the visitors and mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding. Such events were held at health centres including at Al Wakra, Muaither, Al Sheehaniya and West Bay. Also a lecture on ‘Working Mother and Breastfeeding’ will be held for the female staff of PHCC on Sunday.
Further, to enhance the breastfeeding rates in the country, several steps have been taken. The WWRC’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, which is recognised by the WHO is significant.
The WWRC’s Breastfeeding Clinic provides essential services and support to mothers who want to successfully breastfeed, including mothers who are having difficulties breastfeeding. Similar services are provided at the Al Wakra Hospital as well.
According to available data, a 2012 study conducted by government healthcare entities says that just 29 percent of mothers breastfeed in Qatar during the first six months of an infant’s life, while worldwide the average rate is 37 percent. “My daughter was born at Al Wakrah Hospital and my experience was good,” said Indika Jayawardane, a Sri Lankan mother.
Indika Jayawardane also said the hospital staff was very supportive and they did so much to encourage breastfeeding. “I was taught everything about breast-feeding in detail. Later I was referred to the clinic as I had some difficulties in breast-feeding,” added Indika Jayawardane.
This is not an isolated voice but there are many in Qatar expressed similar opinions.
Annie Altura, a Filipina mother, said, “I underwent a caesarean delivery at the Al Wakrah Hospital. Nurses did so much to help me start breastfeeding.”
Annie Altura says she learnt many new things to follow in breast-feeding, though it was her third child. “It’s very helpful initiative by the hospital,” she added.
Every year, countries around the world observe World Breastfeeding Week between August 1 and August 7. This year, the World Health Assembly adopted the World Breastfeeding Week by member states to advocate for the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding everywhere.
The theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is ‘Breastfeeding: Foundation for Life’ which indicates the recognition of the importance of breastfeeding to a baby’s future. In view of the World Breastfeeding Week, many organisation in Qatar and across the world organised various events underlining the significance of breastfeeding.
