Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is observing the annual National Breastfeeding Week (November 13-17) by offering lactation consultancy to expectant mothers at Dubai and Latifa hospitals, said a DHA official.
The hospitals also have helpline numbers so that women facing difficulties with breastfeeding have immediate assistance, without having to visit a hospital.
Dr Manal Wahba, gynaecologist and lactation consultant at Dubai Hospital, said that all these measures have led to high rates of breastfeeding among women who deliver at DHA hospitals.
According to Dubai Hospital’s statistics, in 2014, of the total number of women who delivered babies at the hospital, 91.8 per cent opted for exclusive breastfeeding, 8.10 cent opted for mixed feeding due to medical reasons and less than one per cent of women opted for mixed feeding for non-medical reasons.
Dr Wahba said that these statistics point to an excellent breastfeeding promotion strategy that the hospitals have in place.
Dr Amal Al Mulla, gynaecologist and lactation consultant at Latifa Hospital, said: “Initiating breastfeeding within an hour of birth and continuing exclusive breastfeeding up to a minimum six months is essential for healthy growth of the baby and in strengthening the immune system.”
There are several proven health benefits of breastfeeding to the mother and child. However, in order to ensure that more women breastfeed, we need to provide them with support right from the pregnancy stage. Physicians and nurses have an opportunity to emphasise breastfeeding education, beginning with preconception visits and continuing through prenatal care, delivery and post-partum care.”
She added: “These consultancy sessions really help women, particularly first-time mothers. We see so many instances where the mother experiences pain or some other kind of complications and wants to give up on breastfeeding. However, after a few sessions, they continue breastfeeding. Therefore, support education and guidance is vital to help mothers stay away from formula milk. Women facing difficulties should not begin mixed feeding without meeting a lactation consultant because in most cases lactation consultants are able to guide women and provide needed assistance to continue breastfeeding.”
Dubai and Latifa hospitals offer a breastfeeding helpline. Mothers facing breastfeeding difficulties can call the lactation consultant at Dubai Hospital on 04-5026169 or Latifa Hospital on 04-2193286 between 7.30am and 1.30pm.
Alternatively, mothers can call UAE breastfeeding support helpline from 10am to 10pm. Arabic helpline: 050-6579525. English helpline: 050-8684417. For Urdu helpline mothers can call 050-9819270
