Breastfeeding awareness among mothers still low in Sibu

SIBU: Breastfeeding awareness among mothers in Sibu is still low, said Sibu Hospital paediatrician Dr Toh Teck Hock.
He said this was reflected with many mothers still not breastfeeding their newborn exclusively within the first six months.
"Exclusive breastfeeding means that mothers only breastfeed their babies up to six months and only introduce supplementary diet after that. They should continue to breastfeed until their babies are two years old," he added.
The rate for last year, he said, was far lower than the target of 50% set at the national level.
"The rate at the state level was only 30% plus. We are still very far behind the more established countries which have achieved the rate of 60 to 70%," he added.
Expressing his concern at a press conference here today, Teo said many mothers opted to feed their babies with instant formula, which is not only not beneficial to the baby's health, but also expensive to buy.
To promote breastfeeding awareness among mothers and the general public, the Sibu Hospital had lined up various programmes in accordance with the World Health Organisation and Health Ministry's recommendation.
Its director, Dr Ngian Hie Ung said one of the programmes was a one hour Mandarin Health Talk on Breastfeeding, held every two weeks beginning Feb 19 at the Agape Centre, at Jalan Alan near here by a local Women Support Group.
"There will be 22 sessions on different topics to be held throughout the year," she added.
She said those keen to join could contact Madam Wong Jee Ing (019-8599390) and Madam Faith Ngu (012-8921886) for further information.
She also disclosed that the Women Support Group had set up a WeChat group for mothers who needed help or tips related to breastfeeding.
Apart from that, the hospital, in collaboration with the Sibu Divisional Health Office, would continue to organise professional trainings on breastfeeding for health staff working at the hospital and private medical centres. — Bernama