Sharjah: Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Honorary President of Breastfeeding Friends Society has reiterated the importance of Mother’s Milk by stating that Breastfeeding remains instrumental to the health and well-being of babies at the start of their lives and development.
In an article to mark the UAE National Week of Breastfeeding, Sheikha Bodour remarked that “’If you are a woman who has breastfed your baby, you will know that nothing beats the experience of meeting your baby’s gaze during this particular time. The bond created is unique – a special divine language between mother and infant, without the need for words. You are communicating physically, mentally, and spiritually with your baby.”
The Honorary President of Breastfeeding Friends Society further added that “As your baby’s tiny hands rest on your body during breastfeeding, their sense of security increases and an everlasting bond is formed. This divine bond is the foundation for a solid and happy family. Strong and happy families are the heart of secure, well-functioning societies.”
“This is why it is essential to encourage the work being done by various associations such as the Sharjah Breastfeeding Friends Society, which does everything it can to help educate and support women during this precious time. It ties in perfectly with the mission and aims of the UAE National Week of Breastfeeding (4th to 10th November), which in turn aligns with this year’s World Health Organization (WHO) call for making breastfeeding a shared responsibility by all at all levels,” Sheikha Bodour added.
I believe breastfeeding is instrumental to the health and well-being of babies at the start of their lives and for their development. There are benefits for mothers too. Several studies have shown that breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even breast and ovarian cancers. This is further evidence that we should communicate its benefits and do everything we can to support mothers during this period.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Honorary President of Breastfeeding Friends Society stated.
Commenting on the targeted misinformation about superior alternatives for mother’s milk, the Honorary President stated that “This centuries’ long wisdom of breastfeeding has been challenged by varying alternatives, particularly the creation of infant milk formulas. Sponsored studies extol its benefits, together with publicity campaigns targeted specifically towards mothers. These campaigns use clever messaging to try and link using milk formula with women’s empowerment and emancipation. To me, these are false prophets.”
“Now more than ever, the importance of building a healthy immune system is vital. Breastmilk plays a significant role in developing robust health. In addition, we are living through a pandemic with no end in sight for the time being. This means we need to do everything we can to strengthen our bodies to fight against infection,” Sheikha Bodour stated while reiterating the significance of breastfeeding.
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