Emergency response focus for breastfeeding week

04/08/2009 | Breastfeeding week 2009

The importance of continued exclusive breastfeeding of babies, especially in an emergency, is being highlighted for World Breastfeeding Week this week. Whatever the emergency – from earthquake to conflict, from flood to flu pandemic – the story is the same: breastfeeding saves life.

“This year we focus on supporting women in their efforts to do what is most important for the health and survival of their children, even during emergency situations,” MidCentral Health Lactation Consultant Barbara Wright says.

Breastfeeding provides babies with both food and immune support, which protects them from the worst emergency conditions. Breast milk contains a myriad of antiviral and immune boosting components that will help protect the baby even when a mother does not have immunity to a particular illness.

Research proves that Breastfeeding can limit the severity of respiratory infections in infants and is particularly important for minimizing the risk and effect of infection during an influenza outbreak, such as the current H1N1 09 Swine Flu influenza virus.

“Being able to continue breastfeeding, even during an emergency, can bring comfort and a sense of normalcy even in the most stressful situations,” Barbara adds.

To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week the Women’s Health Unit is having a morning tea for the mothers tomorrow Wednesday, 5 August, in the patient lounge at 10am.

The midwives have organized a prize draw for all mothers who have placed their details in the box on the Postnatal ward, and winners will be drawn on August 10.

CONTACT:
Lactation Consultant Barbara Wright: (06) 350-9657 or Communications Unit: (06)350-8945