Community Effort Cited as Necessary to Increase Breast Feeding Rates on Montserrat.
A local nurse believes a community effort is necessary to increase breast feeding rates on Montserrat.
In a radio address to mark Breast Feeding Week 2021, Nurse Shaumen Gray, says it is also the responsibility of decision makers, workplaces and the wider community to help increase breast feeding rates and ensure more mothers have breastfeeding success.
Nurse Gray says this can be done by allowing mothers the time during the day to breastfeed their infants.
Nurse Shaumen Gray
World Breastfeeding Week is an annual celebration held every year from August 1st to the 7th.
This year’s theme “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility”, intends to highlight the links between breastfeeding and survival, health and well being of women, children and nations.
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), expectant and nursing mothers require special protection to prevent harm to them or their infants' health.
At the same time, PAHO says they also require protection to ensure that their jobs are not jeopardized because of pregnancy or maternity leave.
It adds that maternity protection is key to enable breastfeeding and empower parents for a successful implementation of recommended breastfeeding practices.