Breastfeeding Is Still Best For Baby

Contact: Rose Marie Harris

Monday, August 13, 2001 – St. Lucian mothers have been urged to breastfeed their children, instead of giving in to the powerful temptation of advertisements promoting the use of infant formula as a healthy alternative.

The clear, unambiguous message mothers received at a breastfeeding symposium organised by the Ministry of Health last week, is that breastfeeding is still best for baby as it has always been. Most important of all, breast milk comes without a price tag.

Sonia Alexander of the Bureau of Health noted breastfeeding was becoming a challenge for mothers in light of the hard-sell advertising of milk formulas and other issues. “We are aware as a health team of the difficulties that mothers face because so many are working today,” she said, “but breast milk can be expressed, stored in the refrigerator and most of all it’s free.”

“You will spend hundreds of dollars if you choose formulas, dollars that could be better spent,” Alexander added.

Health Educator with the Bureau of Health, Patricia Joseph, complimented fathers who support their spouses in taking care of their babies. She said fathers play a vital and significant role in the breast-feeding process.  

“Although the fathers do not actually produce the milk, the support that they can give to the mothers will ensure success in breast feeding,” Mrs. Joseph said.

“They can go and take the baby from the crib to the mother when the baby needs to be breastfed. They can pace the floor and burp the baby when the baby is finished. That kind of support which will reduce the stress in the mother’s life will make breast feeding successful,” she pointed out.

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