Breastfeeding is an important predictor of the baby’s nutrition, health, and survival. It also plays a key role in their health and development. Breastfeeding is a learned activity as well as a natural act. Mothers and other caregivers require active help to start and maintain effective breastfeeding practices.
In commemoration of the ‘Breastfeeding Week 2022″, the 4th year BSN students conducted a Community Engagement Program on ‘Breastfeeding Awareness’ on the Theme – Step up for Breastfeeding- Support and Educate in Al Qassimi Women and Children Hospital, Sharjah, on 4th October 2022, Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman on 5th October 2022 and Al Madeena Health Center, Ajman on 11th October 2022.
5th October, Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman
The Breast-Feeding Awareness Program was conducted in OPD Foyer of Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman on 5th October 2022 between 1 PM to 4 PM. The program was attended by Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Vice Chancellor – Academics, Gulf Medical University, Group Chief Nursing Officer, Ms. Nancy Justina Mendonca, Assistant CNO, Ms. Bindu Baby, Dean CON, Prof. Selva Titus Chacko, the faculty and students. The program commenced after ribbon cutting and inviting the dignitaries to each station.
The students had set up stations for Demonstrating Breast-Feeding & Burping techniques, Display of various Superfoods during Lactation, Demonstration of Breast massage & Pumping techniques. The students prepared a Nutritious drink with Garden Cress Seeds-Red beans and Custard that is helpful in promoting Lactation and served it to the participants.
Posters were presented on important aspects of Breastfeeding like the Advantages of Breast feeding for both mother and baby, Superfoods that mothers must consume during lactation, Composition of breast milk Vs formula milk, Problems encountered by both mothers and babies during breastfeeding, Tips for Expression and storage of breast milk and Techniques of Breastfeeding.
4th October, Al Qassimi Women & Children’s Hospital, Sharjah
The Breast-Feeding Awareness was conducted in Hospital Cafeteria Foyer as well as OBG OPD Waiting Area in Al Qassimi Women & Children’s Hospital, Sharjah on 4th October 2022 between 9 AM to 12:30 PM. The students displayed posters and stalls were put up to demonstrate Breast-Feeding & Burping techniques, Display various Superfoods during Lactation and demonstrate Breast massage & Pumping techniques. The beneficiaries of the program were Antenatal and Postnatal mothers visiting the Obstetrics and Gynecology Out Patient Department, and their relatives.
The posters and stalls were put up in the OBG OPD waiting area to educate the Antenatal mothers waiting for their appointments. 29 Antenatal mothers and their relatives were able to benefit from this program.
The Dean of CoN GMU, Prof. Selva Titus Chacko, the Director of Nursing, Al Qassimi Women & Children’s Hospital for Women & Children, Ms. Sameera Suleiman and Clinical Resource Nurses, Al Qassimi Women & Children’s Hospital – Ms. Aneeshya Elias, Ms. Basma Donia, Ms. Joyce, Ms. Amna AlMarzooqi and the Lactation Consultant Nurse, Ms. Mona Abdulrahman graced the occasion. The Nursing Director and Clinical Resource Nurses applauded the students’ efforts in conducting this fruitful venture of educating the public and bringing in awareness regarding Breastfeeding.
11th October, Almadeena Health Centre, Ajman
The Breast-Feeding Awareness was conducted at Almadeena Health Centre, Ajman on Tuesday, 11th October 2022 from 9.30 AM to 12.30 PM.
The students created awareness on various aspects of exclusive breast feeding through posters and demonstration of breastfeeding techniques, burping, expression and storage of breast to benefit working mothers and display of superfoods during lactation.
The program was attended by around 45 participants which included mothers with their newborns and staff from Almadeena Health center. Feedback was received and the program was well appreciated by the participants.