A City Health project that provides dedicated support to breastfeeding mothers has resulted in improvement in the exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates. The success of the initiative comes as the City joins the global celebration of World Breastfeeding Week from 1 to 7 August.
The weeks after giving birth can be physically and emotionally challenging. While breastfeeding gives babies the healthiest possible start in life, many mothers face difficulties such as pain, exhaustion, concerns about milk supply, and adjusting to life with a newborn.
Some mothers may also experience postnatal depression or anxiety, making support during this period even more important.
City Health offers compassionate care through its healthcare teams and Infant Feeding Counsellors to support mothers with breastfeeding, infant feeding and their overall wellbeing.
The Infant Feeding Counsellor (IFC) Project places trained Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers in clinics to provide one-on-one support to pregnant women and postnatal mothers on optimal infant feeding practices. The counsellors offer practical guidance and encouragement while helping to identify mothers who may need additional support.
Following the placement of the Infant Feeding Counsellors, exclusive breastfeeding rates increased by 6.5% across the 10 participating clinics.
Notable improvements were recorded at Masiphumelele Clinic (31%), Langa Clinic (26%), Adriaanse Clinic (22.5%) and Valhalla Park Clinic (14%).
‘Nutrition has a profound impact on an infant’s growth, survival and development. We also recognise that breastfeeding is not always easy, particularly during the early weeks after birth. Through the Infant Feeding Counsellor Project, mothers receive the practical support and encouragement they need to navigate this journey with confidence and give their babies the healthiest possible start in life,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme, ‘Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: Strengthen what works,’ highlights the importance of investing in proven breastfeeding support initiatives.
‘The results speak for themselves. Although the project currently operates in only 10 of our 89 clinics, it is making a meaningful difference for mothers and babies. We will strengthen the project by expanding the counsellors’ skills and extending their contracts to three years to ensure continuity of care. We will also continue working with partners, including City libraries, to create sustainable support networks for families,’ added Councillor Higham.
As part of this collaboration, City Health’s Infant Feeding Counsellors and the City’s Library and Information Services will continue to host eight-week antenatal and postnatal support groups at selected libraries.
The sessions cover maternal and child health, digital literacy, and the importance of reading and talking to babies from pregnancy through early childhood.
