Vision

A Bahamas in which all mothers are enabled to practice breastfeeding exclusively for at least 6 months.

Mission

To assist clients in practicing successful and sustained breastfeeding through health education and promotion efforts.

Overview

In 1993, recognising the association between breastfeeding and a reduction in infant illness and death, the Ministry of Health commenced a series of activities to strengthen breastfeeding practices. Three senior nurses (2 from New Providence and 1 from Grand Bahama) participated in a Lactation Managers “Train the trainer” course in Bridgetown, Barbados. These trainers, in turn, trained other staff in an 18 hours Lactation Management Course, designed by WHO and UNICEF.

A National Breastfeeding Co-ordinator was also appointed and a committee was formed.

Breastfeeding classes and counseling are now offered at all Community Health Clinics where antenatal clients are seen. Breastfeeding classes are offered in group settings to all first time mothers, while clients with 1 or more children, are counseled on an individual basis.

Specific Objectives

• To teach all expectant mothers how to successfully breastfeed and sustain it up to 2 years or more.
• To train all staff who come in contact with mothers and infants to promote, protect and support breastfeeding.
• To heighten community awareness of the importance of breastfeeding.
• To conduct research in order to evaluate the results of breastfeeding activities.

For more information, contact:

The Department of Public Health
Poncianna Hill Building
Meeting Street
P. O. Box N-3730
Nassau, N.P.
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 502-4835
Fax.(242) 502-4874
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays