It is the World Breastfeeding Week. Freelance journalist JOSEPHINE CHINELE highlights how the impact of routine health talks illustrate how strengthening what works can transform breastfeeding outcomes for mothers and babies: Girls in Malawi grow up hearing that breastfeeding deflates breasts and makes women unattractive. Amid the widespread myths, Zingwangwa Health Centre in Blantyre convinces over 20 women daily to give their baby only breast milk for the first six months of life.
Every morning, women from surrounding community receive routine health talks on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Chilobwe resident Belita Jafali says prior to her first pregnancy, she had no idea breastfeeding required specific skills. “I just saw people breastfeeding and paid no attention to how they did it or why they did it,” she recalls.
During her first antenatal clinic visit, Jafali learned recommended breastfeeding techniques and the dangers of poor baby feeding practices. The tips worked well for her first child, making her an advocate for breastfeeding among her peers. “Breastfeeding a newborn encompasses hygiene, including bathing at least three times a day, frequent handwashing and wearing clean clothes,” she says.
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The tips acquired from antenatal visits, post-natal care and under-five clinics has stayed with her. Jafali uses the knowledge for the benefit of her second son, born just a few weeks ago. “I noted several breastfeeding benefits with my first child.
I wouldn’t trade this for anything, not even the unsubstantiated belief that this makes women unattractive,” she says. Jafali says breastfeeding her baby fills her with joy and pride, especially with her husband’s active involvement. “Waking up in the middle of the night has always been an uphill task for me, but he has been my strength, even holding the torch throughout the feeding episode,” she says.
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