A group of mothers joined the Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association (BNBA) in a global attempt for women to breastfeed their babies around the same time. On Friday, August 5, the BNBA held their Global Latch on Event at the Ministry of Health headquarters on Meeting Street. New and more experienced mothers who are still breastfeeding congregated. They were given talks by experienced nurses and members of the BNBA, and received gift bags for their babies. Nurses Carlotta Klass, Linelle Thompson, Brenda Armbrister, Ampusam Symonette, Lillian Jones and Sarah Turnquest were among those on hand to encourage and educate the mothers and fathers in attendance.
Messages included that breast milk is instantly supplied to the baby without having to sterilize bottles or rely on a supplement. It is always the right temperature and helps to solve a myriad of possible issues. It corrects gastroenteritis, clears up colds, fights infections, and improves babies overall health. They spoke about myths such as breastmilk is not enough for the baby, and that it gives the baby gas. They explained that breast milk is nature’s perfect whole food for the baby – anytime, anywhere. Breastfeeding, they said, is an important start for a lifetime of good health.
Although abread at the time, BNBA President Trineka Hall and nurses Debbie Munnings and Bianca Edwards assisted members in the planning and hosting of a series of events for World Breastfeeding Week, August 1 – 7. Nurse Edwards planned a special event at Lower Bogue Clinic, Eleuthera, where mothers on that island also took part in the Global Latch on.
The Princess Margaret Hospital Maternity Ward is currently involved in the 100 days challenge where labour nurses are encouraged to put every baby just born to the breast within the first hour of life.
Writer: Felicity Darville
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