Breast milk contains all the essential nutrients that babies need for healthy growth and development. For the optimal wellness of infants aged six months and below, it is not advisable to give them other nutritional fluids—including water. The only exceptions are fluids such as oral rehydration solution (ORS), syrups and prescribed liquid medications.

When practised correctly, immediate and exclusive breastfeeding significantly reduces the incidence of diseases such as diarrhoea, certain allergies and chronic infections like pneumonia. This, in turn, contributes to lowering infant morbidity and mortality rates.

As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August 2021), the staff of BAFROW Medical Centre continue to intensify awareness efforts about the importance of this lifesaving practice.

In line with this year’s theme, “Protect breastfeeding: a shared responsibility”, we are extending our outreach to include more men, equipping them with information and counselling so they can better support women and communities in promoting immediate and exclusive breastfeeding as the preferred practice.

Breastfeeding in the Context of COVID-19

As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, a key element of our awareness and counselling activities is encouraging pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to:

• Get vaccinated against COVID-19
• Maintain recommended protection practices
• Continue breastfeeding their babies for as long as possible

Through these efforts, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding maternal and child health while promoting breastfeeding as a foundation of infant survival and wellness.