On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week 2018, WBW, the Sharjah Baby-Friendly Office, SBFO,
SHARJAH, (Pakistan Point News - 06th Aug, 2018) On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week 2018, WBW, the Sharjah Baby-Friendly Office, SBFO, is organising a series of interactive sessions and workshops for new mothers and medical personnel to boost awareness about the importance of breastfeeding, and its physical and psychological benefits for mothers and babies.
Celebrated globally by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, WABA, this year’s celebrations are held under the theme, "Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life."
The SBFO started its celebration of World Breastfeeding Week with a 20-hour training course on breastfeeding that was held on Wednesday in partnership with Khorfakkan Hospital. The course targets medical professionals, including nurses, medical practitioners and health experts.
The course focusses on communication skills with new mothers and educating them about the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, which are instrumental in building a strong relationship between mother and child. Breast milk also strengthens the infant's immune system as well as his physical and mental wellbeing.
It also discussed the reasons why children may refuse breastfeeding and ways of tackling them, as well as how to add complementary food while breastfeeding. The activity highlighted the most common reason for a breastfed baby not gaining weight and explained to participating mothers and medical staff how to deal with this issue. At the end of the training course, participants will receive a certificate attested by the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
A special session on breastfeeding will be organised in collaboration with Sharjah Police on 8th August. Dr. Sundus Al Ajram, paediatrician and international consultant in breastfeeding, will talk about how to motivate mothers to resort to breastfeeding exclusively, starting right from childbirth and until their children are six months old. She will also talk about how to supplement breastfeeding with complementary foods until the child is two years or even older.
Dr. Hessa Khalfan Al Ghazal, Executive Director of the SBFO, said, "Our main message with the Sharjah Baby-Friendly Project is to promote breastfeeding and encourage pregnant women and mothers to commit to it, due to its proven benefits. Breast milk is essential in the first six months as it provides all of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals crucial for growth.
"Breastfeeding also plays an important role in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals for motherhood and childhood."
The SBFO will continue to observe the WBW throughout August with a series of workshops and interactive sessions at various government offices in Sharjah, including the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, the Sharjah Directorate of Human Resources, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Industrial Area Police Station, the Sharjah Municipality, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Works, and Al Rahmaniya and Al Dhaid nurseries.
