World Breastfeeding Week is an international event that falls annually between 1 August and 7 August. Like many other global health organisations, local health authorities like the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) are marking the occasion. So, what is this year’s event about, and how can parents and expectant parents in Qatar get support with breastfeeding?
The 2022 Campaign
According to the World Breastfeeding Week website, this year’s campaign is about educating governments, healthcare organisations, workplaces, and communities about the importance of breastfeeding and their roles in encouraging the practice and making it more accessible. Its motto is “Step up for Breastfeeding”.
Some of the ways Qatar is observing this week include the MOPH’s drive to distribute educational materials to new mums in hospitals and mother and baby-related clinics nationwide. The MOPH will also broadcast videos about introducing complementary foods to babies aged six months and continue its ongoing social media campaign. Additionally, there will be a live stream on its social media channels with a breastfeeding specialist from the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).
How to Get Breastfeeding Support
There is a range of options for new and expectant parents in Qatar who want support with breastfeeding, from hospital lactation services to peer support communities. Here are some examples:
- Large hospitals: Hamad Medical Corporation’s Women Wellness and Research Center offers a daily lactation clinic from 7 pm to 3 pm for new mums with breastfeeding difficulties and concerns. You can call 16060 to learn more. Sidra Medicine also offers inpatient and outpatient services for breastfeeding mums, including assessments and counselling relating to supply problems, nipple soreness, pumping, breast refusal and more. For more information, call 4003-7113. Additionally, you can check with the hospital where you have or will be giving birth to see if there are lactation consultants who can help.
- Smaller hospitals and private clinics: Doha Clinic Hospital offers a lactation consulting service for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers from Saturday to Thursday, 4 pm to 9 pm. Call or message on WhatsApp at 4438-4333 for more information. Additionally, Feto Maternal Medical Centre Doha’s antenatal classes package includes a breastfeeding class. Call 4475-6369 to learn more.
- In-home care: Clear Diamond Care, a home nursing care service, also offers breastfeeding support, and you can visit cdq.qa/services/breastfeeding-support or call 5555-2817 for more information.
- Community events: Qatar Foundation often hosts events with specialists who educate and support parents on their breastfeeding journeys through channels like Qatar National Library. Although fully booked, it will also host a World Breastfeeding Week event in collaboration with Sidra Medicine specialists this Thursday. To keep up with future events, visit qf.org.qa/events.
- Peer support groups: these can be an excellent tool for breastfeeding mums to meet, interact, and share their questions, concerns, and personal recommendations for doctors, nurses, and lactation consultants. Examples include Qatar Breastfeeding Support Group, a local breastfeeding Facebook group witlh over 1,200 members.
Where to Learn More
To learn more about World Breastfeeding Week, follow #worldbreastfeedingweek2022, #WBW2022, and MOPH’s platforms on social media.