GEORGE NEWS - As World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August) is marked across the globe, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is encouraging mothers in George and across the province to breastfeed where possible and consider donating surplus breast milk to help save the lives of premature and critically ill babies.
The campaign, themed ‘Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start to Life: Strengthen What Works’, highlights the importance of breastfeeding during a child’s first 1 000 days, from conception to their second birthday, a period regarded as critical for growth, brain development and lifelong health.
When a mother’s own milk is unavailable or insufficient, screened donor breast milk provides the next best option, significantly improving the survival and development of premature and medically vulnerable newborns.
In a statement, the department says successful breastfeeding depends on strong support from families, healthcare workers, employers and communities.
Registered dietitian Crystal Jacobs of Tygerberg Hospital said improving breastfeeding rates requires stronger healthcare services, supportive workplace policies and greater community involvement.
The operational manager of neonatology at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cindy Louw, added that donor human milk remains one of the most effective interventions for premature and critically ill newborns.
Locally, George Hospital is among six public hospitals in the Western Cape accepting breast milk donations.
Healthy breastfeeding mothers with surplus milk can enquire about becoming donors by contacting the hospital on 044 802 4577 or 044 802 4578.
Mothers in the Oudtshoorn area may contact the Oudtshoorn Hospital on 044 203 7240.
Prospective donors undergo a screening questionnaire and a rapid HIV test, and receive guidance on the safe expression, storage and handling of breast milk.
Health officials say a single donation can make a life-changing difference, giving the province’s most vulnerable babies the healthiest possible start to life.
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