Thread by @DrZweliMkhize

Many are worried and asking many questions whether the coronavirus can be passed on through breastmilk and how can they protect themselves and their babies. I can assure you that the #COVID19 virus has not been found in breastmilk . #WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Research evidence has shown that the virus is not transmitted through breastmilk or by giving breastmilk that has been expressed from a mother who is confirmed/ suspected to have #COVID19.
#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

A baby’s immune system is not yet fully developed and requires the immune protection from breastmilk. This life saving protection is more important than ever right now during the #COVID19 pandemic.
#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Breastfeeding can protect children from many other illnesses and conditions such as diarrhoea, chest infections, diabetes, and heart disease. Nearly half of diarrhoea episodes and one third of respiratory infections are due to lack of breastfeeding. #WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Breastfeeding provides protection against postpartum haemorrhage after the baby is born. The long term benefits are that chances of getting breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer are reduced.#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Breastfeeding is nature’s way of protecting the physical and mental wellbeing of mothers and babies in the first critical years of life.#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Among the reasons why there is an increase in malnutrition especially in children under five is because many mothers wean their children to quickly, large due to socio-economic pressures on women in modern times.#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

There is a clear link between malnutrition and lack of breastfeeding. Furthermore, our current levels of exclusive breastfeeding- 1 in 4 children (32%) is not good enough.#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

SA’s recommendation of optimal infant feeding is in line with the global recommendation for infant feeding. Breastfeeding should begin within the 1st hour after birth, and all babies,regardless of the mother’s HIV status-should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months.

I urge all mothers, fathers and caregivers not to default on their children’s vaccination schedules for fear of visiting a facility and contracting #COVID19.

Our facilities all have a triage mechanism whereby patients with flu-like illnesses are separated from patients presenting for other reasons. This is to ensure that access to quality health care is not compromised during the #COVID19 surge. #WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Donated breastmilk is a critical resource in managing children who cannot breastfeed for various reasons but whose optimal treatment includes the administration of breastmilk. The vast majority of these patients are premature babies who benefit enormously. #WorldBreastfeedingWeek

I would therefore like to encourage all health care workers to contact the nearest Breast Bank if they require breast milk for their patients and to assure them that there is adequate stock at this stage. #WorldBreastfeedingWeek

We will continue with our efforts to support and empower mothers and primary caregivers with information on their parenting journey, even during these difficult times, from pregnancy stage until the child turns 5 years old. #WorldBreastfeedingWeek

It is important for us to support first time and young mothers. #WorldBreastfeedingWeek

We have just launched Season 2 of our Side-by-Side radio shows. These radio shows are broadcast weekly in 10 official languages and aim to provide caregivers and community members with information on the full range of care that children require, ensuring they develop optimally.

To access all breastfeeding support resources and information, please visit sidebyside.co.za/resources. One can also join the caregiver community on facebook.com/SidebySideSA/ for more breastfeeding information or to enter monthly competitions. #WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Breastfeeding is a natural phenomenon- a beautiful reflection of humanity’s foundation. African culture has always embraced, indeed normalized, breastfeeding and this is a culture we need to reinculcate in modern society. #WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Women must be able to feed their babies anywhere,anytime, without feeling any shame in doing so.#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

We call on all men & women to support natural breastfeeding in any environment whether it be work, in public places, in gatherings, churches or even at home when other people enter into that space.#WorldBreastfeedingWeek