The Most Joyful Moment of a New Mom - Her Baby’s First Feed

“I want to breastfeed, but I am having difficulty breastfeeding,” says a frustrated new mother.

How do you empower women to commit to breastfeeding? Mother’s milk contains all the nutrients that a baby needs in the first six months of life, is easily digested and contributes to a healthy immune system. Yet, across the world three in five babies are not breastfed in the first hour of life, a practice that can significantly reduce infant mortality, according to the latest figures from WHO and UNICEF.

In Pakistan, the situation is even more alarming. A recent report suggests that only one in five children is breastfed within the first hour and just 48% of babies are breastfed for six months.

While breastfeeding comes easy to a few mothers, there are many others who need constant help and support. Women’s confidence in their ability to breastfeed is affected by concerns such as whether they can sufficiently nourish and satisfy their babies and whether they are able to cope with the discomfort or inconvenience.

Enter healthcare providers in breast feeding: Zohra Kurji, an assistant professor at the Aga Khan University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, one of the very few International Board Certified Lactation consultants* in Pakistan, has now become the first nurse in the country to independently run a consulting clinic for lactating mothers at the University Hospital.

When should I consult an expert?

You can consult our lactation experts if you need any advice or counselling related to breastfeeding. In particular, if you are:

• First time mother and need counselling before delivery

• Facing difficulty in latching 

• Having decrease in milk supply

• Experiencing pain during breastfeeding

• Returning to work and need advice

• Planning to weaning off formula supplements

• Noticing tenderness, swelling or inflammation in breasts

What are the services being offered at the Aga Khan University Hospital?

The Lactation Services is available for both inpatient services and outpatient clinic. 

How can i book an appointment?

To book an appointment call: 021 111 911 911

More information in English and Urdu can be downloaded here
Article Source - The Aga Khan University