Women who choose not to breastfeed to maintain the shape of their breasts have been cautioned against sexual activity.
Councillor Sinki Lephalale issued this warning, stressing the importance of breastfeeding for every infant's health.
The Umbrella for Democratic Change Councillor, who was a guest at the final day of Breastfeeding Week commemoration in Kanye on Wednesday, organised by the District Health Management Team (DHMT) stated that some mothers fear the unknown and avoid breastfeeding, despite it being vital for the child’s brain development.
The commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week is observed from August 1st to 7th. This year's week-long celebration was held under the theme, 'Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.'
The event took place at Kanye Main Clinic, aimed at ensuring that every mother receives the support she needs to breastfeed, regardless of her employment status, socio-economic background, or level of education.
Part of the day's activities included demonstrating breastfeeding positions, ensuring the baby is correctly positioned during breastfeeding, and educating participants on the benefits of breastfeeding.
In his message, Kanye DHMT Coordinator, Conrad Ntsuape revealed that World Health Organisation (WHO) data shows that over half a billion working women worldwide do not have essential maternity protection in their national laws.
"This grim reality emphasises the urgency of our gathering and the work that lies ahead. We are here to advocate for the rights of these women and to ensure that by 2025, we not only meet but exceed the set goal for breastfeeding rates," he said.
Ntsuape noted that breastfeeding is a cornerstone of child development, providing unparalleled health benefits that extend well beyond infancy.
Further, it is a shield against malnutrition, a condition that has seen a worrying increase within the DHMT escalating from 2.2 percent to 2.9 percent over the past three years.
"Evidence shows that in Botswana about 65 percent of babies are initiated at the breast, but only 20 percent are exclusively breastfed,” he said, further lamenting that babies are introduced to either solid food or other fluids at a tender age, which exposes them to infections and prone to malnutrition.
He said that the breastfeeding period should last two years with the introduction of solids at six months of age, as it carries positive advantages such as lowering the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as lowering the risk of respiratory illnesses in children.
Ntsuape also revealed that in making the breastfeeding possible, the Ministry of Health has come up with interventions such as provision of friendly environments for breastfeeding and have enacted the marketing of foods for infants and young children regulation of 2005, which controls the marketing of foods for infants and children.
"The law prohibits advertising of commercial infant formula, baby foods, bottles and teats, thus protecting the community from aggressive marketing of these products."
The gathered parents and breastfeeding mothers agreed with Councillor Lephalale on women who should avoid sex if they worry about the shape of their breasts, noting that some women avoid breastfeeding to maintain their appearance and keep their breasts firm. Kanye resident, Thandi Moetsane also pointed out that women can maintain their beauty after breastfeeding. "Even if someone avoids breastfeeding to keep their breasts firm, they will still sag eventually," she said.
Ntsuape advised that breast milk should be stored at room temperature for up to four hours, in the refrigerator for up to four days, and in the freezer for up to six months. He advised mothers never to boil breast milk, as this will destroy its essential nutrients and antibodies.
An elderly resident, Kebabonye Gothusang applauded the DHMT officials for hosting the event, saying that she has been encouraging her children to breastfeed their babies.
Councillor Sinki Lephalale issued this warning, stressing the importance of breastfeeding for every infant's health.
The Umbrella for Democratic Change Councillor, who was a guest at the final day of Breastfeeding Week commemoration in Kanye on Wednesday, organised by the District Health Management Team (DHMT) stated that some mothers fear the unknown and avoid breastfeeding, despite it being vital for the child’s brain development.
The commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week is observed from August 1st to 7th. This year's week-long celebration was held under the theme, 'Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.'
The event took place at Kanye Main Clinic, aimed at ensuring that every mother receives the support she needs to breastfeed, regardless of her employment status, socio-economic background, or level of education.
Part of the day's activities included demonstrating breastfeeding positions, ensuring the baby is correctly positioned during breastfeeding, and educating participants on the benefits of breastfeeding.
In his message, Kanye DHMT Coordinator, Conrad Ntsuape revealed that World Health Organisation (WHO) data shows that over half a billion working women worldwide do not have essential maternity protection in their national laws.
"This grim reality emphasises the urgency of our gathering and the work that lies ahead. We are here to advocate for the rights of these women and to ensure that by 2025, we not only meet but exceed the set goal for breastfeeding rates," he said.
Ntsuape noted that breastfeeding is a cornerstone of child development, providing unparalleled health benefits that extend well beyond infancy.
Further, it is a shield against malnutrition, a condition that has seen a worrying increase within the DHMT escalating from 2.2 percent to 2.9 percent over the past three years.
"Evidence shows that in Botswana about 65 percent of babies are initiated at the breast, but only 20 percent are exclusively breastfed,” he said, further lamenting that babies are introduced to either solid food or other fluids at a tender age, which exposes them to infections and prone to malnutrition.
He said that the breastfeeding period should last two years with the introduction of solids at six months of age, as it carries positive advantages such as lowering the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as lowering the risk of respiratory illnesses in children.
Ntsuape also revealed that in making the breastfeeding possible, the Ministry of Health has come up with interventions such as provision of friendly environments for breastfeeding and have enacted the marketing of foods for infants and young children regulation of 2005, which controls the marketing of foods for infants and children.
"The law prohibits advertising of commercial infant formula, baby foods, bottles and teats, thus protecting the community from aggressive marketing of these products."
The gathered parents and breastfeeding mothers agreed with Councillor Lephalale on women who should avoid sex if they worry about the shape of their breasts, noting that some women avoid breastfeeding to maintain their appearance and keep their breasts firm. Kanye resident, Thandi Moetsane also pointed out that women can maintain their beauty after breastfeeding. "Even if someone avoids breastfeeding to keep their breasts firm, they will still sag eventually," she said.
Ntsuape advised that breast milk should be stored at room temperature for up to four hours, in the refrigerator for up to four days, and in the freezer for up to six months. He advised mothers never to boil breast milk, as this will destroy its essential nutrients and antibodies.
An elderly resident, Kebabonye Gothusang applauded the DHMT officials for hosting the event, saying that she has been encouraging her children to breastfeed their babies.
