A baby-friendly initiative expands to every corner of Turkmenistan
4 August 2008 - This morning Sapargul Berdyeva, 32, safely delivered her third child. Still weak and exhausted from the labors, her eyes are shining with happiness. Sapargul is happy that she is able to cuddle up and breastfeed her new born son. The baby, in his turn, also seems to be content staying next to his mother, having as much breastmilk as he needs. Sapargul shared that she will name the baby, Janguly, after her father-in-law - a tradition observed by many Turkmen families. Little Janguly is luckier than his elder siblings because he was born in a baby-friendly environment. Three years ago the hospital where he was delivered receieved the status of baby-friendly hospital. This status calls for protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding by enabling every mother and family to adopt and sustain the best feeding practices for children. As was described by Ms. Annaeva, a midwife with 20-year long service, since that time the hospital has undergone tangible changes. She noted that these changes have made an enourmous impact on community as a whole and medical workers. “The concept of baby-friendly hospital does not require huge infrastructural changes in the first place," explained Ms. Annaeva. "Success of this initiative greatly depends on commitment of the medical staff, their patience and understanding of numerous benefits of breastfeeding that baby-friendly environment can offer to the community members, such as reduction of diarrhea." With support of UNICEF, Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative has expanded throughout Turkmenistan. The Government of Turkmenistan is committed to ensuring that all national health facilities be certified as baby-friendly. For this commitment to become true, UNICEF has supported the Ministry of Health in strengthening the capacity of medical specialists at all levels, as well as full implementation of ten universal steps for a medical facility to become baby friendly. To date, 94 per cent health facilities have been certified as baby-friendly hospitals. Such a high indicator gives assurance that in the very nearest future, the coverage of baby-friendly hospital initiative achieves its maximum. Now, when the colossal work seems to be behind, it is delightful to celebrate victory over past strict postnatal regime that was believed to benefit both mother and child. “Old set of guidelines such as separate rooming of mother and child, late and time-bound breastfeeding, early introduction of breastmilk substitutes and adding glucose solution to a baby’s diet apparently contradicted natural conditions of child rearing,” noted midwife Annaeva. After a short talk with Sapargul, there is no difficulty in understanding that this young woman not only looks mature and confident because she is a mother of three, most importantly, because she has knowledge and skills to give the best start to her son and to enjoy her motherhood. “Doctors told me that early and exclusive breastfeeding has multiple benefits to my son. It makes him healthy and protects from infections, as well as makes him feel loved and cared for. It was also interesting for me to know that early breastfeeding helps my body to adjust and recover after delivery," assertively informed Sapargul. At this moment, tiny Janguly starts requesting his mother’s attention by demandingly crying. Sapargul immediately takes her child in hands to calm him and breastfeed.
World Breastfeeding Week Turkmenistan: A baby-friendly initiative expands to every corner Uzbekistan: Celebrating the World Breastfeeding Week Tajikistan: Supporting breastfeeding mothers Bosnia and Herzegovina: "There is no adequate substitute for mothers’ (breast)milk" Azerbaijan: Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative a success World Breastfeeding Week (official website) |
