SIBU: The number of mothers who breastfeed their babies exclusively for six months has increased from 14% in 2013 to 36.6 per cent by June 2017. The actual target is 58 per cent.
Although the percentage was still low and below the target set, Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development, Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said that it was still something to be proud of as every year, the number was increasing.
“In 2013, 12 per cent of babies were breastfed exclusively for six months. In June 2017, the number jumped to 36.6 per cent.
“However, in Sibu, only 21.1 per cent of the mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively for six months.
“Thus, I call on the people in Sibu to jointly respond to this call to ensure every child born benefits from breastfeeding,” she said yesterday at the World Breastfeeding Week celebration held at the Giant Mall here.
Due to the low number of mothers in this town who breastfed their babies exclusively for six months, a study, she said, must be carried out to determine the causes.
She called upon the Sibu Medical Department and her ministry to conduct the study.
Fatimah added that the importance of breastfeeding must be promoted continuously to all parties.
The promotion was not just the responsibility of the Health Ministry or the women. Other individuals and organisations should play their respective roles, pointed out the Minister.
“Breastfeeding practices are not just women’s responsibilities but require the attention of men or husbands in ensuring that these practices can be strengthened.
“Husbands need to give moral support to their wives during the breastfeeding period, and the attitude of mutual understanding and mutual support is the key to successful breastfeeding. Breastfeeding benefits babies and mothers,” said Fatimah.
One of the efforts undertaken to ensure the improvement of breastfeeding practices, she added, was the implementation of baby friendly clinics.
She said it was an initiative of the Health Ministry since 2015 to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in health facilities and provide services to mothers and their children.
“Almost two years after the baby friendly clinics were introduced, 36 health clinics in Sarawak have been recognised as baby friendly clinics,” she revealed.
Sibu Resident, Hii Chang Kee, Organising Chairlady, Faith Ngu and Director of Sibu Hospital, Dr Ngian Hie Ung were among those present at the celebration.
