Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week: The First 1000 Days Indaba in Gugulethu

More than 300 mothers, their families, and supporters attended the First 1 000 Days Indaba at the Ikhwezi Sports and Recreation Centre in Gugulethu on Friday, August 8.

The event, hosted by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness in partnership with the City of Cape Town, marked World Breastfeeding Week, observed from August 1 to 7. The theme for this year was “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”

According to the provincial department of health, babies need only breastmilk for the first six months of life. Breastmilk protects infants from illness and supports growth. Even after the introduction of solid foods at six months, it remains an important source of nutrition and comfort.

Zenande Xaluva, a registered dietician at Gugulethu Community Health Centre, said mothers were identified from the community and invited to attend with their families.

“We wanted to do something for the community to celebrate breastfeeding week and help raise our breastfeeding rate,” she said.

Stalls at the event covered oral hygiene, reading, nutrition, occupational therapy, and offered immunisations for babies and children.

Ntlantla Mbata, a mother from the area, attended as a family supporter after hearing about the indaba from her sibling. “I have learned so many things about breastfeeding and about babies. I think we should have more events like this in Gugulethu, as they will help people look after their babies and ensure they are raising healthy children,” she said.

Ms Mbata, who has a three-year-old child, said she did not breastfeed previously but is now more willing to do so after learning about its benefits.

The department said breastfeeding can be challenging, with issues such as sore nipples, concerns about milk supply and returning to work. It said support from family, employers and communities can help mothers to continue breastfeeding.

Through its Mother Baby Friendly Initiative, the department promotes immediate skin-to-skin contact between newborns and mothers for at least one hour after birth, teaches Kangaroo Mother Care, and provides ongoing breastfeeding support at clinics and hospitals.

The department said mothers struggling with breastfeeding can visit their nearest clinic for free and confidential advice from trained nurses on latching, milk supply and nutrition.