Expanded lactation centre launched at Chris Hani Baragwanath to support mothers in Soweto
The launch, timed to coincide with World Breastfeeding Awareness Week, saw the participation of Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko alongside officials from McDonald's South Africa.
The expanded Lactation Centre provides a safe, supportive space for underprivileged mothers to express milk. It's one of the few facilities in the country offering free post-natal support, equipped with hospital-grade pumps and professional care to help mothers through their breastfeeding journey.
RMHC SA's newly appointed CEO, Matshepo Msibi, explained that the lactation center began as a modest 18-seat facility but quickly saw overwhelming demand. As desperate mothers started lactating outside due to lack of space, the decision was made to expand and better accommodate their needs.
'We then made the decision, from a dignity standpoint, especially for women, to invest and partner with Baragwanath Hospital, because we understand the critical role breastfeeding plays in a child's life. As one of the largest hospitals in the world, it made sense to expand the facility there, growing it from an 18-seater to a 42-seater to meet the growing need.'
She added that their partnership with Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital began in 2013 with the launch of family rooms, which offer a comforting space for mothers with children in critical care. In these rooms, mothers receive meals, psychosocial support, and empowering tools to help them navigate their journey.
Msibi further highlighted the facility's impact by revealing that mothers there produce between 140 and 170 litres of milk daily, comparing it to the equivalent of around 70 two-litre bottles of Coke, a powerful illustration of both the demand and the dedication of the women using the centre.
One of the beneficiaries of the facility, milk donor Karabo Mahlaba, shared how the centre became a lifeline for her during a difficult time. After the heartbreaking loss of her baby, she felt lost and overwhelmed with emotion. But through the support and guidance she received from RMHC, from learning how to use a breast pump to eventually becoming a milk donor, she found healing and purpose.
'Even though my baby was no longer with me, I made the decision to keep expressing and donate milk. The support and encouragement I received here made all the difference. I used to come in four times a day, and because of how much milk I produced, they even started calling me '6-pack'.'
She revealed that there were times she would break down in tears while expressing milk at the facility, but the encouragement she received helped her persevere. She also mentioned that many mothers arrived hungry, yet the facility provided them with meals to support their wellbeing.
Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital's CEO, Nthabiseng Makgana, expressed pride in the hospital's partnership with the launch of the new lactation centre.
'It's heartwarming to see that organisations like RMHC are still passionate about the well-being of new mothers. We hope to help more women with their breastfeeding journey.'
RMHC SA recognises the proven health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child. In line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the organisation advocates for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life to support optimal growth, development, and health.
'Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Thereafter, they should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods, while continuing to breastfeed up to two years of age or beyond,' said WHO.
The Star
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