The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has emphasised the valuable role of breastfeeding by highlighting the significant impact it has on the nutrition and well-being of an infant and its mother. The World Breastfeeding Week was observed during the first of week of August.
Throughout the week, a team from PHCC shared educational material with the public to support this year’s theme of sustainability. Disseminated material included information on the challenges faced by families for breastfeeding, providing support for mothers who are challenged with balancing their work and the responsibility to breastfeed their newborn.
An expert team at primary healthcare centres across Qatar raised awareness of the benefits, myths and truths about breastfeeding by hosting unique stands as well as by providing walk-in advice and information. A social media campaign was also launched at the beginning of the week to further enhance the outreach of the awareness campaign, noting an increase in engagement from patients.
A statement by PHCC said, “It is one of our priorities that mothers and their families feel enabled and empowered to do the best they can for their babies. As the first point of contact and the main provider of primary healthcare in Qatar, we ensure they have access to ongoing support with regard to breastfeeding. Not only teaching feeding, we encourage positive parenting, building happy, loving relationships with the babies and boosting mothers’ confidence.”
World Breastfeeding Week is an important appreciation of the role of mothers in providing the best start to life for their babies. It also ensures that the community is aware of the benefits of breastfeeding whilst clarifying myths and vague facts regarding breastfeeding. This week also represents an appreciation of the undoubtedly vital role of excellence in healthcare for the mother and baby.
PHCC has also conveyed the vital message that support is available across PHCC centres for breastfeeding mothers as primary care continues to be the first step to healthcare in Qatar.