The Tribune

By Felicity Ingraham

With research linking breastfeeding to better behaviour in adults, the Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association (BNBA) is putting its campaign to ensure more Bahamian babies are breastfed into high gear this week.

Studies have indicated that breastfed babies are more calm and mild-mannered, having received special hormones and antibodies during their first months of life. 

For National Breastfeeding Week, the BNBA kicked off its events on Sunday, October 2, with a unique twist on the usual walkathon.  

The group hosted an “umbrellathon”, in which mothers, babies and BNBA supporters could walk with umbrellas shielding them from the sun. The only requirement, the umbrellas had to be decorated with themes that promote breastfeeding. Those umbrellas were judged for creativity at the end of the walk.

The umbrellathon started at Akhepran International Academy on Bernard Road and ended at the Fox Hill Park, but not before stopping at St Anslem’s Church for a jingle competition. The jingles which were sung along the walk included phrases such as: “Breast is the best!” and “Breastfeed so your baby can succeed!”

At the Fox Hill Park, Pastor David Adams, president of Telios Christian School, preached a spirited message to participants. He used scripture to show that God recognises the virtue of mothers, the importance of their womb, and the importance of them suckling their children. He pointed out that every mammal on earth feeds its own babies and does not depend on another mammal to do it for them. 

Therefore, he said, women should stop depending on cows and formula to do for them what God naturally designed them to do.  He also encouraged new mothers to eat healthy in order to set a good foundation for their child’s life.  

Carolyn Sweeting, the first mother to model on a poster for the BNBA more than three decades ago, also spoke to the participants, encouraging them to seek help from BNBA officials if they have any trouble breastfeeding. She said their nurses are highly trained and can provide the support and education necessary to ensure that more mothers are successful at breastfeeding. She called it an art that requires commitment and skill.  Too often, she said, mothers give up because they do not have the necessary support. She added that formulas could never replace a mother’s milk.  

Nurse Linelle Thompson, education officer, handed out information pamphlets to men and women along the walk. During her address, Nurse Thompson said the reason the BNBA utilises a bow as its symbol – and not a ribbon or loop like many other organisations celebrating this October – is because “loops are to indicate disease”.  She said breastfeeding is not a disease, hence a bow is used.  The bow, she said, symbolises the support of the family, especially the father, who represents the knot, or the keen supporter of the family. The gold colour, she said, indicates that breastfeeding is the “gold standard” for mothers all around the world.

This year’s theme for National Breastfeeding Week is: “Breastfeeding: A Key to Sustainable Development”. 

The week of activities includes events at local clinics and radio show visits, and culminates with a BNBA banquet. This year’s banquet will be held in the Governor’s Ballroom of the British Colonial Hilton Hotel on Sunday, October 8, under the patronage of Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin. 

The week of events is being organized by Nurse Trineka Hall, who announced the winners of the BNBA 2016 umbrellathon. Urban Renewal took home the overall trophy and a $200 cheque for their entries. Aunt Lily’s Daycare Centre took home second place and a $150 cheque.  

The BNBA offers classes at local clinics as well as private sessions to assist new mothers. Look for the BNBA on Facebook or contact Nurse Thompson at 565-0118 or Nurse Hall at 433-5013.