Voluntary Community Service: Breastfeeding Support Initiative
In a continued effort to promote maternal and child health, the Office of Medical Services (OMS), in collaboration with our valued healthcare partners, has been successfully implementing a community service initiative at the Thumbay University Hospital (TUH) Maternity Ward since 2023.
Now in its third consecutive year, this ongoing program focuses on breastfeeding support and education for staff nurses caring for new mothers and newborns emphasizing the importance of early bonding, proper feeding techniques, and maternal wellbeing.
The initiative aimed to provide newborns with the best possible nutritional start in life through breast milk, in line with internationally recognized guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), empowering mothers to overcome common breastfeeding challenges during the prenatal and postnatal periods. The program also sought to reinforce the role of breastfeeding in fostering early bonding and long-term health outcomes for both mother and child.
Expert Education, Hands-On Demonstrations, and Personalized Support
A key highlight of the initiative was an expert lecture and discussion session led by Dr. Fetta Djessas, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), delivered to two cohorts of staff nurses working in maternity and neonatal units. The sessions focused on up-to-date clinical practices, lactation management, and compassionate care strategies to better support breastfeeding mothers.
To enhance learning, simulation models were used to demonstrate different breastfeeding techniques, including proper latch positioning, breastfeeding holds, and strategies for managing common difficulties such as engorgement or low milk supply. These hands-on demonstrations helped reinforce theoretical knowledge and improved the confidence of healthcare staff in providing effective support to mothers.
To further support learning and continued awareness, educational leaflets were distributed at the end of the sessions. These materials reinforced key messages, provided tips for overcoming breastfeeding challenges, and included contact details for follow-up support.
This initiative marks a strong step toward enhancing maternal and newborn health outcomes and underscores the university’s ongoing commitment to voluntary community service and healthcare outreach. Further sessions and training programs are planned to broaden the impact of this valuable initiative.
