Description

UNICEF's Rob Sixsmith reports on programs working to educate Syrian mothers about the importance of breastfeeding.

Transcript

Promoting Breastfeeding in Syria Feras Minoud: If the mother is using industrial milk instead of breastfeeding I would remind her to follow the breastfeeding model. They should use natural milk as it is much better than any other kind of milk. Rob Sixsmith: There was a time when husbands in Syria have known little about the importance of breastfeeding. Now because of healthcare workers across the country new parents like Feras Minoud and Jenna Minoud are well aware of the benefits for their newborn. Giving birth in a baby friendly hospital, they have been adapted by healthcare workers trained in a 10-step program designed to promote breastfeeding. Providing all-important nutrients, breastfeeding protects serious mothers and children from diseases like pneumonia, a simple act that helps the country for fulfill its commitments to the millennium development goals reducing child mortality and improving maternal health. As part of this year’s breastfeeding week, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health are once again stressing the vital role, health workers play in promoting breastfeeding in Syria. In stunning in a Syrian Hospital you get a sense of how important that work is and just how delicate child health can be. In one room a healthy newborn awaits his mother whereas next door incubators helps premature babies that require helping hand. Randa Nouma: We encourage doctors and nurses to remind mothers of the importance of breastfeeding and to explain right timing which is 30 minutes after natural birth and perhaps even soon. Rob Sixsmith: International Breastfeeding Week has been running since 1992 and now boasts the corporation of a 120 countries. In Syria the dedication of the end of the week is clear. Same in on schedule across the country promote breastfeeding is a healthy pride even mothers. Health workers also receive sessions for some of the 10 steps, require to ensure hospital is baby friendly. The top priority is to promote breastfeeding. Breastfeeding we consider is an important way of highlighting the positive work to ensure breastfeeding remains high in health agenda. As UNICEF wants to ensure that health continues to be passed from mother to daughter. This is Rob Sixsmith in UNICEF Television. For more information visit UNICEF.org. Unite for Children.