Scientific research has revealed evidence that breast milk has nutritional value and provides immunity to not only the baby but also the mother.
It is also proven that breastfeeding plays a role in building a bond and intimacy between mother and child.
The benefits of breastfeeding were highlighted by Dr Hjh Rahmah binti Hj Md Said, the Director General of Health Services of Ministry of Health, in her address at the Infant and Children Nutritional Workshop and Course for health workers yesterday.
Breastfeeding is natural, she said, adding that, “However the practice needs the support and motivation, especially for mothers with their first born”.
Among the factors that have been identified to successfully influence mother to start breastfeeding are the services and surrounding environment received by mothers in clinics or hospital”.
She said, “In this matter, it is important for us to be directly involved with the healthcare of pregnant mothers, infants and children so that they are equipped with the correct basic knowledge.”
With the efforts, she said, “I believe it will carry a positive result, especially in increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the country compared to ten years ago.”
She noted that, “Every mother should be encouraged to exclusively breastfeed their baby from birth to six months (of age) and continue until the child reaches two years of age while giving appropriate complementary foods.”
The workshop which was organised by Community Nutrition Division and Community Health Services and Continuous Nursing Education of the Ministry of Health attracted 113 health workers.
The workshop stressed the implementation of health service practices supportive of breastfeeding, improving health professionals/workers with current recommended knowledge on infant and young child nutrition as well as ensuring all health professionals and related workers who care for infants, children, mothers and families support breastfeeding.
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