Breastfeeding Becomes Well Known to Many Mothers
24 August 2008

Six outstanding breastfeeding mothers demonstrated breastfeeding model in front of a gathering of more than 100 people during the celebration of the World Breastfeeding Week. The main message of the event states, “Skin-to-skin immediately after birth helps keep the baby warm and facilitate early breastfeeding”.

The event was held on August 2008 in Samlot area development program (ADP), more than 80 kilometers away from BattamBang town, west of Cambodia.

Although it rained, many women came with their babies and other villagers persisted in attending the event.

A breastfeeding mothers’ team leader, Neav Channy, 27, shared that the celebration organized by WVC is essential because it provided men and women awareness and useful understanding to protect their children from being malnourished.

“This is a rare event we can meet with one another. I am very excited to see many people coming here; particularly I witness other mothers who also bring their children with them,” said Channy, who came with her six-month-old daughter.

“I get to understand much better the benefits of breastfeeding. My son is healthy and plump, so my family and I are very happy. I will continue breastfeeding him in addition to other nourishment,” said Chim Channa, 23, who came with her eleven-month-old child.

During the opening ceremony, Him Pisey, Samlot ADP manager stated “Today’s event is a reminder to all mothers to breastfeed their baby immediately after giving birth for the sake of their good health. I believe everyone, particularly women, will acquire the knowledge of the significance of breastfeeding and hopefully you will disseminate such understanding to your neighbors and other villagers,”

Cambodia started celebrating the World Breastfeeding Week since 2001. Samlot ADP has organized the celebration annually since 2006.

Choun Pheng, chief of commune council, was impressed with the celebration organized by WVC that has been working to promote health and nutrition aspect in his commune. He also thanked all the participants, especially women who took part in the event.

Phan Longmai, director of Battambang’s Health Bureau, explained the importance of breastfeeding.

“Unhealthy condition, carelessness of breastfeeding and vanity are the main the reasons why mothers do not breastfeed their children. Breast milk is vital nutrients for babies that mothers do not need to buy. Thus I encourage all mothers to breastfeed their children if they want healthy babies,” expressed Phan Longmai.

After the speech delivered by the guests of honor, all the participants watched talk show about the World Breastfeeding Week, and breastfeeding demonstration. Then both men and women proactively participated in breastfeeding-affiliated quizzes. All of them were able to answers all the questions, and were given gifts in return.

Keo Chenda, 24, one of the single participants said “I come here today to learn the experiences and means of breastfeeding because I will have children in the future after getting married.”

Eventually, all the participants were invited to have lunch together.

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