Healthy Babies; Happy Mothers: World Breastfeeding Week

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week with educational sessions at hospitals, social media campaigns, and the certification of two polyclinics as Mother and Baby Friendly. Additionally, in collaboration with its partners UNICEF, INCAP, PAHO and Bottom Dalla, the Nutrition Unit will be active the entire month of August to highlight the importance of breastfeeding.  Exclusive breastfeeding is encourage for the first six months of life with its continuation for up to two years since breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both baby and mother.  For babies, it provides all the necessary nutrients to their growth and development, as well as development of a great immune response to prevent babies from getting sick.  For mothers, it protects them from cancer, reduces the risk of post-partum depression, and it promotes loss of baby weight.  The Ministry of Health and Wellness is also reminding the public that the COVID-19 vaccine has been approved safe for all pregnant and breastfeeding women.