Closing the Gap: Breast milk has a positive effect on your child

Breastfeeding has long-term benefits for your baby, lasting right into adulthood. The longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits. Breastfeeding takes centre stage annually between 1 and 7 August, during World Breastfeeding Week. This year's theme 'Closing the Gap' aims to strengthen support for mothers and communities during their their breastfeeding journey.

As part of the Basic Antenatal Care programme, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and its partners advocate for exclusive breastfeeding (breast milk only) for the first six months of a baby's life. Following this period, breastfeeding should continue alongside the introduction of appropriate, nutrient-rich foods until at least two years of age and beyond. Adequate nutrition during this crucial 1 000-day period can significantly influence a child's development and learning abilities.

“Breastfeeding helps mothers to feel close to their babies, and the baby feels loved and protected. Therefore, adequate support has a positive influence on breastfeeding. Support for mothers is to create an environment that is emotionally, psychologically stable and comfortable. Society as a whole has a role to play, fathers, partners, healthcare workers, colleagues, family, communities and employers to support breastfeeding at any time and any place, to make the breastfeeding journey successful,” says Crystal Jacobs, a registered dietician at Tygerberg Hospital.

For the first 6 months, infants require only breastmilk for their nutritional needs. Breastmilk remains a vital source of nutrients for children beyond 6 months of age. Therefore, the baby can feed as frequently and for as long as they desire without restriction. While breastfeeding, a mother should also remain eating healthy, balanced nutritionally adequate foods. When complementary foods are introduced after the age of 6 months, breastfeeding can still continue.

Breastfeeding is the foundation of healthy development for babies, providing essential nutrients and antibodies to improve survival, overall health, nutrition and wellbeing despite their circumstances. Nationally, the target is to have 50% of children under the age of six months being exclusively breastfed by 2025. The current rate for exclusive breastfeeding at 14 weeks is at 39% in the Western Cape.

In the 2022 South African health reviews shows a decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates. In the Western Cape mothers are assisted in the birthing sites to establish breastfeeding, however, require more support to continue the practice when they are home. Currently in the Western Cape, 88% of the mothers are initiating breastfeeding however, only about 40% are still breastfeeding when their babies are about 14 weeks old.

Megan Marias, Assistant Director for Health support trusts that breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both mother, baby and their families. “By continuing to cultivating a supportive community and workplace environment, we can close the gap and ensure all mothers and babies have the necessary resources to thrive during their breastfeeding journey.”