By Kristodia Otibu Asiedu/Zainab Abdul Hamid
Tema, Aug. 11, GNA – As part of measures to strengthen collaboration with private health facilities to improve early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, the Tema General Hospital (TGH) has celebrated Breastfeeding Week with nursing mothers at Bengali Hospital.
During the event, a team from the nutrition unit of TGH visited maternity wards of the Bengali Hospital, provided health education on exclusive breastfeeding, and distributed gift packs sponsored by Cussons Baby to the mothers.
Ms Joyce Asare Kissi, Head of Nutrition at Tema General Hospital, speaking on exclusive breastfeeding for working mothers, noted that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at three months has declined from 88.24 per cent to 81.46 per cent between January 2023 and June 2024 in the Tema South sub-metro.
Ms Kissi emphasised that breastmilk could be stored at room temperature for not more than six hours, adding that it should be stored in the refrigerator for less than 48hours and in the freezer for up to three months.
She encouraged working mothers to express and store breast milk for their babies, highlighting its economic benefits and ability to provide all necessary nutrients during the first six months, pointing out that it boosts immunity and helps combat infections in babies.
Ms. Monica Owusu-Afuakwah, the Deputy Director of Nursing Services at the Tema Metro Health Directorate, speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said that breastfeeding was the best option for babies and encouraged all mothers to breastfeed their babies, unless medically advised otherwise.
She noted that while 60 per cent of mothers were breastfeeding, 40 per cent were not, and encouraged all mothers to do so, reiterating that it contains lots of benefits, including reducing sickness in children and improving their health.
She emphasised that breastfeeding was also beneficial for mothers, aiding in family planning and returning the postpartum body to its normal state.
She encouraged mothers to feed their babies on demand rather than adhering to a strict schedule and encouraged mothers to eat well, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other healthy foods in their diet to support breastfeeding.
Ms. Nelly Enyima, the Director of Public Health at Tema General Hospital, reminded mothers that their breastmilk was important in ensuring the health and well-being of children, adding that it does not only reduce the incidence of diseases but also help in the spacing of births.
She mentioned that it was important for fathers to support mothers during the nursing period, highlighting the need for a supportive environment that encourages and enables breastfeeding.
GNA