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21 per cent mothers in UAE prefer formula milk

One in five mothers in the UAE prefers to feed her baby with artificial milk instead of breast milk, according to the findings of a research announced by the Sharjah Baby-Friendly Emirate Campaign.

The research has spurred the campaign further into action to demand nurseries and public and private organisations to create an environment conducive to breastfeeding.

The research has revealed that 21 per cent of mothers in the UAE are choosing to give their babies formula milk. A workshop titled “Principles of Breastfeeding-Friendly Nurseries” was held recently to advise supervisors and staff members of nurseries to raise awareness on the plentiful benefits of breastfeeding.

The workshop was headed by Rasmiya Al Shamsi, Determinant of the Executive Committee and President of the “Baby and Mother-Friendly Nurseries” committee, as well as Mona Abdulrahman, an international breastfeeding consultant and Training Coordinator of the campaign.

They shed light on the unforeseen side effects and repercussions of milk substitutes, particularly given the aggressive advertising of such products.

Dr Hessa Khalfan Al Ghazal, Director of the Executive Committee of the Sharjah Baby-Friendly Emirate Campaign commented: “We want to showcase the importance of breastfeeding and its crucial role in the reduction of common diseases and disorders in our modern society.”

The workshop team shared tips on the best ways in which mothers can get in sync with their babies’ natural breastfeeding rhythms.

They also discussed how to maintain milk production at an optimum level, suction methods and how to store the breast milk in prime condition.

They said that the input of public and private institutions is vital, and nurseries in particular play a pivotal role since babies spend a large chunk of their day at nurseries. The Sharjah Baby-Friendly Emirate campaign was initiated under the patronage of Shaikha Budoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), President of the Campaign and Honorary President of the Breastfeeding Friends Association. It was launched last March under the slogan “The right start for a better future”.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com