National maternal-child health centre unveils breastfeeding ward

A dedicated breastfeeding ward was inaugurated on March 4 at the National Maternal and Child Health Centre (NMCHC), an institution under the Ministry of Health.

This was in collaboration with Helen Keller International-Cambodia and the Multi-sectoral Food and Nutrition Security Project (MUSEFO), of German international development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The ward aims to provide nursing mothers with a more suitable environment for their breastfeeding needs, and according to health ministry secretary of state Prak Sophonneary, is specifically designed for mothers of infants aged 3-6 months.

Sophonneary said the ward comprises multiple rooms, two of which are separated into four sections so that eight mums can nurture their babies at a time.

A third room will store necessary items for convenient access should mothers require them, and another will be a playroom for children under 2, with staff supervision, she said.

She added that lactating mothers can use the ward’s breast pumps and store their milk in a refrigerator for the duration of their visit.

Of note, Cambodia has committed to increasing breastfeeding rate for infants 6 months and under to 85 per cent by 2030.

Sophonneary also called on ministries, departments, the UN, civil society organisations, factories and businesses, and other institutions, donors and private partners to join the Kingdom in promoting breastfeeding at work and the establishment of dedicated areas for nursing mums.

MUSEFO adviser Sanne Sigh voiced support for breastfeeding and highlighted the challenges and hardships plaguing women in the workplace stemming from a lack of breastfeeding support and facilities.

She said MUSEFO advocates for exclusive breastfeeding from birth until the age of 2, and supports the government in its push for workplace nursing facilities for mothers returning from maternity leave.