Hospital policy for breastfeeding only

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Expectant mothers at Al Wasl Hospital are taking part in new breast feeding classes.

Expectant mothers are to be educated in breastfeeding as part of a new baby-friendly initiative kicking off this month at one of Dubai's most prominent maternity hospitals.

All pregnant women attending the Al Wasl Hospital for pre-natal care will be required to take part in the classes, which will promote the benefits of breastfeeding, to boost the number of mothers using the technique exclusively.

Doctors, nurses and dieticians have received training, and around 400 out of 800 healthcare professionals at the hospital have undergone The World Health Organisation's 20-hour course on breastfeeding.

Assistant director of nursing Rajakumari Ravikumar said the move was part of a wider hospital initiative to be accredited as a baby-friendly hospital under an international WHO and UNICEF scheme.

"We have a policy in place where mothers coming into the outpatient's clinic during their first visit will be educated on the benefits of breast feeding.

"Mothers will be told that research shows if mothers put the baby to the breast to suck, the baby gets the first milk, which is natural immunisation for the baby," Ravikumar said.

Using formula milk on maternity wards will also be strongly discouraged, she added.

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