Community
Public Health Offers Assistanceto Breastfeeding Women
The Public Health Department is very supportiveof mothers who choose to breastfeed their children and World BreastfeedingWeek, commemorated from 1 7 August, is a great opportunityto highlight its services, says Breastfeeding Co-ordinator AnnieMae Roffey.
"Cayman has adopted World BreastfeedingWeek's goal of improving through best-feeding practices the nutritional status, growth and development, and healthof infants and children, thereby increasing their survival rates,"she comments. As such, Nurse Roffey notes that Public Health providesassistance in seven vital areas that directly or indirectly supportbreastfeeding.
A nutritious diet
Staff members give diet information to pregnant women throughPublic Health clinics and prenatal classes, and patients are referredto a nutritionist if necessary.
Access to personal health care
Health-care services are offered during and after pregnancy throughgeneral practice clinics; district clinics; antenatal clinics;and postnatal and family planning clinics, as well as postnatalhome visits, Nurse Roffey says.
Good health practices
Pregnant women are informed about good health practices for themselvesand their babies. Information is available through Public Healthclinics, including child health clinics, as well as Parentcraftclasses and health promotion efforts.
Giving birth
Nurse Roffey notes that giving birth in an environment that isrespectful and supportive of breastfeeding also encourages thepractice. In Cayman, midwives are highly trained to care for womenin labour and oversee normal deliveries. Doulas, who provide physicaland emotional support to women in labour, are helpful and womenare encouraged to request their presence. Furthermore, PublicHealth educates women about normal labour, pain relief and birthpreferences, and recommends that women have a birth plan beforelabour commences.
Support after delivery
Home visits are offered to all women who give birth in the CaymanIslands. Breastfeeders Support Group volunteers are also availableto help or give advice about breastfeeding, and the monthly Mothersto Mothers meeting supports women and children in childcare matters.
'Spacing' births
Mothers generally find it much easier to breastfeed one childinstead of two, Nurse Roffey acknowledges, and so it is betterto mothers to space the births of their children. Family planningservices are therefore offered in all district clinics and theGeneral Practice clinic.
Undermining influences
Women should be aware of commercial forces that undermine breastfeeding.The advertising of formulas and bottles do not promote breastfeeding,Nurse Roffey maintains, and so it is essential to promote breastfeedingat every opportunity. Regarding the workplace, employers are encouragedto provide frequent, short breastfeeding breaks for feeding orpumping, to encourage and maintain lactation after female employeesreturn to work.
"The staff of Public Health is committedto promoting breastfeeding as the best way of feeding infantsand children," Nurse Roffey says. "We encourage mothersand fathers in Cayman to call 244-2648 or visit any of the PublicHealth clinics, and avail themselves of these services."