THE Port Shepstone Regional Hospital is holding a breast-feeding awareness campaign which runs until 7 August.
Hospital spokesperson Phumza Morai said the reason breast feeding is promoted is that studies have shown that exclusive breast feeding from birth to six months has many health benefits for infants.
“We recognise that breast feeding saves lives, especially for our vulnerable newborns that may be born prematurely or with a low birth weight,” said Morai.
To start the campaign on Monday, nursing staff from the obstetric units gave health education and addressed questions. The hospital has also opened a human breast milk bank where established breast-feeding mothers express extra milk and donate it to babies who need it.
“We call upon breast-feeding moms who want to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable babies to donate milk to our breast milk bank,” said Morai.
Mothers who wish to donate can contact Sister Sotyayo in the nursery ward on 039 688 6000.
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