17 Apr 2016

A South African health expert has advised mothers to breastfeed their children as it strengthens the immune system and aids brain development.

NINO Birth Organisation official, Ms Jill Bergman was speaking at a workshop organised by the Mahalapye Sub-district Hospital for mothers.

She said during nursing, a mother passes antibodies to the child which build resistance against diseases and improves response to certain vaccines.

She said her organisation was an NGO that strives to improve the birth experience for the mother and the baby, especially focusing on the brain of the child.

She said breast milk enables infants to become intelligent.

She observed that people nowadays do not breastfeed their babies for fear of losing the shape of their breasts which the mass media has sold as the epitome of beauty.

She advised that such a perception was not true. She said a good mother should give her baby the necessary nutrition through breastmilk.

During the workshop, mothers were taught a technique called skin to skin contact with the baby or the Kangaroo mother care, which emphasises bodily contact with the baby.

Ms Bergman said a mother’s chest was a baby’s safest place. She said it makes the baby feel secure and loved by the mother.

She explained that the technique helps the baby and the mother to bond, which has the effect of calming both parties.

“The separation of the baby from the mother is not good because it disturbs the brain development of the baby,” she said.

She stressed that the separation makes the baby think about the dangers that could befall it hence stunt its growth and make it difficult for the baby to sleep.

She said the child requires voice, contact, touch and the familiar heartbeat of its mother. ENDS