World Breastfeeding Week is here again! Running from 1 to 7 August, here's how you can celebrate and honour this annual global movement with fellow Mommies and your families!
Photo Credit: UNICEF
Photo Credit: La Leche League Singapore (LLL Singapore)
From helping baby get a good latch and issues like tongue ties, to pumping strategies and ways to increase milk supply, the journey of breastfeeding can certainly be a very challenging one.
And with the current COVID-19 pandemic, many mothers (especially new Mums) are experiencing new and/or more challenges and stresses.
In support of World Breastfeeding Week, we have compiled a list of helpful information and resources (including a list of breastfeeding support groups and lactation consultants in Singapore), as well as nursing rooms so as to better help mothers on their breastfeeding journey by enhancing their support system, and in turn making motherhood less stressful and more rewarding.
1. The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Photo Credit: World Health Organization (WHO) / Facebook
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends "exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond" as breastfeeding gives babies the best possible start to life, and has many benefits for BOTH Mommy and Baby.
UNICEF also states that “breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies and protects them against illness." Moreover, research so far has also indicated that COVID-19 CANNOT be transmitted via breastmilk, hence, women with COVID-19 can still nurse.
UNICEF recommends that nursing mamas adhere to “The 3 Ws” to practice safe and proper hygiene while breastfeeding:
–Wear a mask during feeding
–Wash hands with soap before and after touching baby
–Wipe and disinfect surfaces regularly
Of course, these practices also apply to formula feeding as well. Just remember that breastfeeding gives babies the absolute best immunity protection possible.
2. Breastfeeding Support Groups & Lactation Consultants in Singapore
Photo Credit: Breastfeeding Mothers' Support Group (BMSG)
Breastfeeding Mothers' Support Group (BMSG)
A vibrant community of breastfeeding mothers who find emotional support, encouragement, companionship and information, BMSG runs regular Mum 2 Mum meet-ups, breastfeeding courses, as well as workshops for working mothers.
La Leche League Singapore (LLL Singapore)
LLL Singapore is dedicated to provide support, encouragement and information to women who want to breastfeed. The organization holds regular monthly support meetings, which provides a great chance for Moms to relax, chill, and get ideas from fellow mothers on various parenting and breastfeeding topics including introducing complementary foods, setting boundaries, and self care.
Mother and Child Singapore
A prenatal and postnatal hub for expectant couples and young families, Mother and Child Singapore provides a range of comprehensive services, such as Antenatal/Childbirth Preparation Course, Lactation Consultation, Midwife Home Visit, and more.
Breastfeeding Support by Stork's Nest Singapore
A local Facebook group meant specifically for Mums who are from or living in Singapore, and who are currently breastfeeding, have breastfed before, or are intending to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding Support by Stork's Nest Singapore aims to provide support Mums in their breastfeeding journey, and a platform for discussion of all things related to breastfeeding.
Mumsfairy Breastfeeding and Lactation Consultant
IBCLC lactation consultants Valerie Ng and Juliet Chan provide home lactation consultations and also lead breastfeeding workshops for pregnant and nursing mamas. The workshops by Mumsfairy aim to empower new mums-to-be with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills needed for a good start in breastfeeding.
Four Trimesters
This very popular doula practice offers personal birthing support as well as having a team of lactation consultants on staff.
Private Hospitals
Gleneagles Singapore, National University Hospital (NUH), and Thomson Parentcraft Centre by Thomson Medical Centre offer services such as, parentcraft classes, breastfeeding support, and lactation consultations.
3. The Cleanest, Best Equipped and Most "Ulu" Nursing Rooms in Singapore
We took time to check with the Mummies of BYKidO (Leona, Ruby and Marie), to get their thoughts on the Cleanest, Best Equipped and Most "Ulu" nursing rooms that they know of! Do check them out, and tell us what do you think!
If you have a nursing room to share, do tell us in the comments below too!
