From the first moment we discover that we are expectant, our number one goal as mums are to make sure we have healthy, happy children. One of the first decisions we’re faced with when our baby is placed in our arms, is about breastfeeding (although this decision is sometimes out of our hands due to a variety of reasons). Now, we all know that fed is best, whether its breast or bottle, exclusive or combination feeding, as long as your child is thriving. Saying that, there’s no arguing with the benefits that come from breastfeeding and the team at Mediclinic, City Hospital believes in the importance of demonstrating how breastfeeding can be supported.

Mediclinic, City Hospital is the 1st baby-friendly designated private hospital in Dubai. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global programme introduced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to improve the health and wellbeing of mums and babies through increasing breastfeeding rates. This programme is known to improve the health and wellbeing of all women and babies by encouraging the provision of high-quality maternity services which help mums to breastfeed successfully.

Through a multi-disciplinary approach involving doctors, midwives and lactation Mediclinic, City Hospital promotes the important health benefits of breastfeeding for both mum and baby.

Best for baby

Evidence-based research has revealed many health benefits of breastfeeding for both mum and baby. Breastfeeding provides a complete and ideal source of nutrition for infants up to six months of age and continues to be important after the first six months as other foods are introduced. It helps babies to develop their immune system and reduces their risk of developing diseases. Research has also shown that it can improve the baby’s intelligence and brain development.

Best for mum

Similarly, breastfeeding also help new mums to recover faster from childbirth and reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding is convenient, saves time and money, is always ready at the right temperature and clean.

Education and support provided

However, because of lack of education and support, many newly delivered mums do not develop the skill of breastfeeding. Baby friendly accredited hospitals like Mediclinic, City Hospital are committed to providing the best maternity care to their patients. New mums are provided constant support, encouragement and education by the trained staff.

Free free antenatal classes are presented every second Friday of the month and is open to all. When the baby is delivered, the mum is encouraged to room in with baby if baby’s health permits and inpatient trained staff assist with initiating breastfeeding. Once the new mum and baby are discharged, they get access to our outpatient lactation clinic and also a monthly mothers’ support group.

However, no mum should assume that  they have any bias against non-breastfeeding mums. Mediclinic, City Hospital understand that for many reasons some mums cannot breastfeed, and their staff is there to support and educate those mums about the safe ways of initiating formula milk.

To learn more about the Mediclinic, City Hospital’s maternity services visit: https://www.mediclinic.ae/en/city-hospital/baby-friendly-hospital/maternity-service-.html and view their internationally trained obstetricians’ profiles: https://www.mediclinic.ae/en/city-hospital/find-a-doctor.html?fmhs[]=obstetrics-gynaecology.

Read more:

Mediclinic, City Hospital: The 1st Baby- Friendly designated private hospital in Dubai.

Mediclinic City Hospital: One of the most advanced female pelvic floor diseases centres in Dubai

Mediclinic City Hospital’s Breast Centre – your choice in breast cancer diagnoses and treatment

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