EDITORIAL: Healthy children, healthy future
Breastfeeding can at times be a taboo topic as men who are not medically trained feel uncomfortable discussing parts of the female anatomy when the discussion is not of a sexual nature. The idea of women baring their breasts in public to feed a child instead of in a wire bra on Kadooment day can be jarring but this is because of socialisation. Discussions on the importance of breastfeeding for the health of our children can help limit the stigma associated with breastfeeding. It can go from something that is considered indecent to something that is considered essential, as normal as seeing someone wash their hands during a pandemic.
The Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Foundation of Barbados (BCNF) last week celebrated World Breastfeeding week 2021 with a week of activities focusing on the discussion of breast feeding and its benefits. The week also had as its aim the task of protecting breastfeeding and included online presentations about Breastfeeding being a shared responsibility of society and the need for Human Resources professionals to be sensitive to the needs of breastfeeding mothers and their children. The BCNF also has monthly sessions which share information on Child nutrition and overall health for parents and babies exploring some interesting topics which would be especially useful to first-time mothers such as the benefits of pre and postnatal massages and tips on overall breast health which were given at their last session by Dr. Shanele Chase-St.Hill. Persons can register for their sessions by visiting them on Instagram and clicking the registration links provided.
Breastfeeding has many benefits including lowering the risk of illness caused by infections and childhood obesity as well as lowering the risks of some cancers for the mother. According to the Cleveland Clinic breastfed babies are said to have stronger overall immune systems which is critical at this time. The psychological benefits also include the strong bond formed between mother and baby allowing a mother to soothe her child more easily when the child experiences distress. Mothers who breastfeed their children are also likely to have better moods due to the soothing hormones produced while feeding. It is generally suggested that mothers breastfeed their infant for the first six months and then for an additional six to twelve months along with complementary feedings. There are still many studies being conducted on the benefits of breastfeeding with the BCNF also conducting some of its own research on Child Nutrition in Barbados.
Organisations such as the BCNF serve a much-needed role in local Barbadian society as mothers can often feel alone if they do not have the support system necessary to help them have confidence in the new skills they will need to acquire. This is especially true now that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the routines of many. The foundation has been able to use the available technology to maintain a support system for those parents and prospective parents who need it.
According to the Executive Director of the BCNF Dr. Alison Bernard the foundation is seeking to increase awareness on the importance of Breastfeeding by having local public figures who are parents share their stories about their experiences with breastfeeding. We look forward to hearing more from this organisation in the future.