Breastfeeding is the best and safest way to nurture infants and young children. However, breastfeeding can be a challenging for mothers, especially for those who give birth under difficult and vulnerable circumstances.
As a mother and baby-friendly hospital, FV always encourages mothers to breastfeed. Each year, FV Hospital organises activities to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week to remind staff and patients and the community about the importance of breast milk for infants and to encourage mothers to breastfeed. This year, World Breastfeeding Week takes place from 1-7th August with the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All”.
During this week, FV Hospital will host a special talk on “Breastfeeding and It’s Benefits” presented by Dr Nguyen Thi Thanh Minh – Obstetrics & Gynaecology. The event will take place from 12:30 – 2:00 PM on the 2nd August, 2024, in the Auditorium, 3rd floor, F Building. Additionally, the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department will be giving out various gifts and distributing breastfeeding guidance materials to mothers who are just beginning or are continuing their breastfeeding journey. The talk is designed to encourage and support mothers in this challenging and patience-requiring endeavour. The activity aims to raise awareness and provide knowledge to expectant mothers and parents about issues related to breastfeeding.
World Breastfeeding Week 2024 focuses on reducing inequalities in access to maternal and child healthcare services. With particular attention to supporting breastfeeding in emergency situations so that no mother is left behind, especially those who are vulnerable and may need extra support in breastfeeding. This campaign also aims to help mothers not feel alone on their breastfeeding journey, thereby reducing postnatal depression related to breastfeeding.
The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend that all mothers exclusively breastfeed for at least the first six months. Currently, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is quite low in many countries. According to the Nutrition Institute’s report, in Vietnam, this rate was estimated to be 22.7% in 2015 and 45.4% in 2020. This is a concerning figure and is a significant factor impacting the development of the future generations of both Vietnam and the world.
At FV Hospital, breastfeeding is encouraged by doctors and midwives from pregnancy. We actively support and guide mothers postpartum right at the hospital. Immediately after giving birth, mothers are directly guided by our midwives on the most comfortable breastfeeding positions. Mothers are visited daily and supported in following the correct practices. If there are difficulties due to a lack of knowledge, doctors will proactively assist to make the breastfeeding process smoother. Mothers can also seek advice on any other social issues.
FV Breastfeeding Policy is used to provide information and guidance to midwives and hospital staff on the benefits of breast milk, correct breastfeeding practices, and training for new mothers. Birth preparation classes are also organised to provide information on pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
FV experts are well-trained and can guide expectant mothers and their partners on various topics during pregnancy and childbirth. This includes physiological changes, psychological preparation, exercise, nutritional needs, pain management, preparation for childbirth, and immediate postpartum care.
For mothers returning to work after maternity leave, they are encouraged to continue breastfeeding. Mothers will be trained on how to express milk using breast pumps and informed about how to store breast milk safely. Caregivers will be instructed on how to feed breast milk from bottles while the mother is at work.
Additionally, FV complies with the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding as proposed by WHO/UNICEF:
