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National Breastfeeding Week launched in The Bahamas
By Felicity Ingraham
Oct 2, 2016 - 10:27:05 PM

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Considering the alarming rates of violent offenses in the country, the Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association is encouraging all pregnant mothers to consider breastfeeding as the only viable option for their babies.  Studies have shown that breastfed babies are more calm and mild-mannered, having received special hormones and antibodies during their first months of life.  Studies at prison facilities around the world have shown that many of the violent criminals in maximum facilities and on death row were never breastfed.  This link between breastfeeding and better behavior is just one of the sources of proof that it is better to make the breast the only source of food for a baby during its first six months of life, according to the nurses who formed this special group.  

The Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association (BNBA) is putting its campaign to ensure more Bahamian babies are breastfed into high gear this week, which is designated National Breastfeeding Week.
 
The BNBA kicked off its annual week of events on Sunday, October 2, 2016 with a unique twist to the usual walk-athon.  The group hosted an umbrellathon, in which mothers, babies, BNBA supporters could walk with umbrellas for shade from the sun.  The only catch - the umbrellas had to be decorated with themes that promote breastfeeding.  Those umbrellas were judged for creativity at the end of the walk.

The umbrellathon started at Akhepran International Academy on Bernard Road and ended at the Fox Hill Park, but not before the walk stopped at St. Anslem's Church for a jingle competition.  The jingles sang along the walk included phrases such as: "Breast is the best!" and "Breastfeed so your baby can succeed!"

This year's theme is: "Breastfeeding: A Key to Sustainable Development".  The week of activities include events at the local clinics and radio show visits, and culminates with a BNBA banquet.  This year's banquet will be held at the Governor's Ballroom of the British Colonial Hilton Hotel on Sunday, October 8, under the patronage of Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin.

The event ended at the Fox Hill Park, where Pastor David Adams, President of Telios Christian School gave a spirited message to participants.  He utilized scripture verses to prove that God recognized the virtue of mothers, the importance of their womb, and the importance of them suckling their children.  He pointed out that every mammal on planet Earth feeds its own baby, and does not depend on another mammal to do it for them.  Therefore, women need to stop depending on cows and formula to do for them what God naturally designed them to do.  He also encouraged new mothers to eat healthy in order to set a good foundation for their child for life.  

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Carolyn Sweeting, the first mother to model on a poster for the BNBA more than three decades ago, also spoke to the participants, encouraging them to seek help from BNBA officials if they have any trouble breastfeeding.  The nurses are highly trained and can provide the support and education necessary to ensure that more mothers are successful at breastfeeding.  She called it an "art" that requires commitment and skill.  Too often, she says, mothers give up because they do not have the necessary support.  She noted that formulas could never replace a mother's milk.  

Nurse Linelle Thompson, Education officer, handed out information pamphlets to men and women along the walk.  During her address, Nurse Thompson said the reason the BNBA utilizes a bow as its symbol and not a loop like many other organizations celebrating this October, is because "loops are to indicate disease".  She said breastfeeding is not a disease, hence a bow is used.  The bow, she said, symbolizes the support of the family, especially the father, who represents the knot, or the keen supporter of the family.  The gold, she said, indicates that breastfeeding is the "gold standard" for mothers all around the world.

 The week of events is being organized by Nurse Trineka Hall, who announced the winners of the BNBA 2016 umbrellathon.  Urban Renewal took home the overall trophy and a $200 cheque for their entries - which included an umbrella which depicted a mother's breast springing with milk.  Aunt Lily's Daycare Center took home second place and a $150 cheque.  

The BNBA offers classes at the local clinics as well as private sessions to assist new mothers.  Look for the BNBA on Facebook or contact Nurse Thompson at 242-565-0118or Nurse Hall at 242-433-5013.

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