6 August 2021
As World Breastfeeding Awareness Week draws to a close we are reflecting on the work being done to support new parents on their breastfeeding journey as well as the benefits that breastfeeding can offer to babies’ health and development.
World Breastfeeding Awareness Week is celebrated every year from 1 -7 August, in more than 120 countries. Its focus is to encourage parents to breastfeed their children to support all-around development and health.
The theme for this year is “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility”. This theme focuses on the contribution of breastfeeding for the survival, health and well-being of all.
Kirsteen Guthrie, Interim Lead Midwife and Service Manager for Women and Children Services at NHS Borders, said: “We work in partnership across Maternity, Health Visiting, Neonates and Voluntary sectors to ensure that women, babies and their families in the Borders have the best advice and support for their infant feeding journey. Our aim is to continue to promote breastfeeding beyond 6-8 weeks postnatal.
“As part of this effort, NHS Borders is a part of the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative. This initiative is a globally recognised programme based on a set of evidence-based standards which are designed to provide families with the best possible care. In addition, the programme aims to help parents build close and loving relationships with their baby and to feed them in ways which support positive health and development.”
Juliet Fraser, Health Improvement Specialist for Maternal and Infant Nutrition/Children and Young People at NHS Borders, said: “World Breastfeeding Week is a great opportunity to raise the awareness of breastfeeding. Here in the Borders we pride ourselves in supporting women to make informed feeding choices that complement themselves and their babies. This week is an opportunity to give thanks to the staff, volunteers and members of the community who continue to support families every day.
“We are aware that this can be an emotional week for many women who have had challenges throughout their breastfeeding journey and those whose journey ended earlier than they had hoped or planned. This is an opportunity for us to reassure families that we are here to support them throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond. “