In the framework of the World Breastfeeding Week to be celebrated between August 1 and 7 , the Women’s Hospital of Mexico City hosted its 4th Breastfeeding Marathon last Monday , in which 40 nursing mothers participated . The event is meant to promote this practice for the benefit of newborn children and their mothers.
During the inauguration of the event, Ruth Gómez Cupil, head of the Maternal Lactation Clinic , stated that 196 countries will take part in the World Breastfeeding Week, following the World Health Organization ’s recommendations, which focus on the promotion of breastfeeding as an “ideal food for infants,” given its natural antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses.
Gómez Cupil commented that the Clinic also aimed to raise awareness and garner the community’s support to facilitate this practice so that children may enjoy short-term protection against respiratory and intestinal infections. On the long term, breastfeeding can reduce risks of chronic illnesses in adults, such as diabetes and arterial hypertension .
Throughout the week, the health center will offer activities for both nursing mothers and hospital staff, though it is open for the general public.
There will be a workshop for good eating habits, the 7th round of Maternal Lactation Talks , free training for breast feeding techniques, and a research poster competition, among other activities.
Alicia Martínez Cruz
, one of the hospital patients, encouraged expecting mothers to feed them with breast milk, since it helps develop a special bond between mother and child .
dm
