The new Women’s Wellness and Research Center of HMC.
DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)’s Women’s Wellness and Research Center (WWRC) is promoting breastfeeding through its Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, said Haila Johar, Executive Director of Nursing.
The antenatal clinics at the WWRC encourage and prepare women for breastfeeding, prior to delivery. Their aim is to increase the number of mothers breastfeed their babies at least during the first six months, she told The Peninsula.
“Align with the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, we encourage all mothers to breastfeed their babies. At the antenatal clinics we prepare mothers prior to delivery. A doctor examines the mother and if she shows any complications that may hinder breastfeeding, necessary guidance and medicines are provided,” she said.
She said that women are being encouraged at the WWRC to breastfeed their babies with colostrum within minutes of giving birth. “When a mother delivers she is ready for normal breastfeeding. Colostrum is very beneficial for the baby.
“Babies should be exclusively breastfed during the first six months, it is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients, antibodies, enzymes, and substances they need for healthy growth and development,” said Johar.
“We need to see all mothers in Qatar breastfeed normally,” she said, adding: “WWRC’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is preparing to be recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO). We are paving the way for the WHO recognition.”
The WWRC’s Breastfeeding Clinic provides essential services and support to mothers who want to successfully breastfeed, including mothers who are having difficulties in breastfeeding.
WWRC’s Breastfeeding Clinic operates daily between 7.30am to 12 noon and plans are underway to introduce an evening clinic. The clinic receives more than 15 women every day.
