Saint Lucia is to implement the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), in line with the global project developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.
““Saint Lucia is working on implementing the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative at our hospitals. This initiative makes hospitals an environment that supports, protects and promote breastfeeding, with the goal of increasing breastfeeding rates here in Saint Lucia,” Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs Minister Moses Jn Baptiste disclosed.
He spoke at an event dubbed : ‘The Breast Feeding Fiesta Workshop’ held at St. Jude Hospital As breastfeeding Awareness Month comes to an end.
Medical specialists provided participants with a wealth of information on subjects important to the health of both mother and child.
Chief Nutritionist in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Lisa Hunt said the event’s objective was to teach mother the importance of breastfeeding.
“We spoke about closing the gap and breastfeeding support for all. So we want all Saint Lucians to understand that breastfeeding is not an easy thing. It’s very challenging…[and] for it to be successful, we need the support of everybody,” Hunt stated.
She stressed the importance of breastfeeding mothers obtaining support from family members, spouses, workplaces, and the society.
One participant at the workshop emphasised the importance of such initiatives in empowering mothers with the knowledge and confidence to provide the best possible start for their children.
“It was very informative. I will say that I’m very pleased with the outcome and everyone who took part,” the mother stated
You need nutrition. Not just breastfeeding. Otherwise what’s the point? Lucian’s can’t afford babies anyways
Supposedly, St. Lucia has been an “independent” country for 45+ years; yet this “baby-friendly” hospital initiative has only commenced because an outside source suggested & funded it! And yet, every second & third word out of every administration’s mouths is: “cutting-edge”; “world-class!”
How long have we advocated for baby friendly initiative. As far as I can remember in the early 90’s there was much talk about it, and nurses and Dr ‘s at the various Health facilities tried to implement it, but we faced lots of obstacles. Mr. Minister, do you fully understand what this initiative means? It needs the support of all your ministries. Stop the importation of formula and baby feeding products. Education, education, and education to the mothers and general public so that they can understand and encourage full breastfeeding. The Dr’s and other support staff must understand how to deal with an irate mother who complains she has no breast milk. It’s not an easy road, let’s stop the talk and walk the walk.