Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan - Breastfeeding is the safest way to provide a child with complete nourishment.

Not only is the breast milk the most suitable supplement for babies, it also boosts their immune system and helps with their physical and mental growth.

A recent study suggests that more working mothers in the country are open to breastfeeding.

Success in breastfeeding begins during pregnancy. Proper knowledge on breastfeeding can help to reduce stress after childbirth, especially for first-time mothers.

Research also shows that counseling on breastfeeding during pregnancy increases the number of mothers who exclusively breastfeed

their babies.

These facts were highlighted during a breastfeeding symposium, held at the Health Promotion Centre in Berakas yesterday.

The one-day event was aimed at encouraging more mothers to breastfeed while promoting the public's understanding of breastfeeding.

According to pediatric cardiology specialist Dr Hjh Rohayati bte Haji Mohd Taib, breastfeeding a baby shortly after birth can help prevent infections as the breast produces colostrums, which is filled with antibodies.

Dr Hjh Rohayati, who was one of the invited speakers at the symposium, also pointed out that breastfeeding can prevent death in newborns, while preventing infections, such as diarrhea, pneumonia, meningitis, and septicemia (bloodstream infection).

During her talk on "Mother’s Breast Milk Saves a Child's Life", Dr Hjh Rohayati said it is best to exclusively breastfeed babies for six months to two years.

However, she also stressed that mothers need moral support and encouragement from family members during this period of time.

Meanwhile, talks were also delivered by Hjh Roseyati binti Data Paduka Haji Yaakub, nutrition officer at the Health Services Department, and Dayang Ramlah bte Kisut, Acting Nursing Officer at the Berakas 'A' Health Centre.

Yesterday also saw a yoga session for expecting mothers and a mini exhibition on the importance of breastfeeding. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin