Breastfeeding, in addition to health and nutritional importance, builds a strong emotional bond between mother and baby, and although it is a natural process, it is often challenging, reported the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
UNDP presented the Breastfeeding School project from Tivat, which is part of the first phase of the Regional Program of Local Democracy in the Western Balkans - ReLOaD, and Jelena Slijepčević from Tivat shared her experience with attending workshops for pregnant women and family members.
UNDP said that breastfeeding provides a child with the best possible start in life and that from the first hour of a baby's life until the second year it protects against infectious diseases, malnutrition and physical underdevelopment.
The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend that breastfeeding start within the first hour of a baby's birth and that the baby breastfeed for the first six months of life.
The UNICEF survey "Nutrition of newborns and young children" for Montenegro from 2018 shows that one in five children is exclusively breastfed until the sixth month of life.
"In addition to health and nutritional importance, breastfeeding builds a strong emotional bond between mother and baby. Although this is a natural process, it is often challenging, and mothers need support - both in the initial information and during this process," the announcement says.
Slijepčević, who is the mother of two little ones from Tivat, knew from the very beginning that she wanted to give her babies the best.
"She did not leave the matter to chance and decided to inform herself in the best possible way about all good and scientifically confirmed practices." Her decision to breastfeed the twins came after the expert recommendations of the doctor, as well as the knowledge she gained during the Breastfeeding School," says the announcement.
UNDP said that the school was organized by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Center for Counseling and Personal Development in partnership with the NGO School of Breastfeeding from Tivat, with the support of the Municipality of Tivat and the European Union through ReLOaD.
The school, they added, included ten cycles of workshops for pregnant women and family members from July 2019 to May last year.
Slijepčević, as one of the main challenges faced by pregnant women, cited insufficient awareness of society about the beneficial and nutritious effects of breast milk and comparison with other people's experiences, which can significantly affect pregnant women and lead to wrong conclusions.
However, according to reports, with her dedication, she decided to put stigmas and myths aside and follow her motherly instinct.
A significant role was played by the Breastfeeding School, which, according to Slijepčević, along with the accompanying literature, was an invaluable source of information, since it provided her with all the necessary instructions and knowledge on topics that are essential for every pregnant woman and future breastfeeding woman, as well as partners and family. .
UNDP said that such programs provide the necessary support in building the self-confidence of future mothers, while respecting the individual circumstances and choice of nursing mothers.
In addition, they added, they enable mothers to connect and share experiences, but also serve as an inexhaustible source of motivation and support.
"Lectures by gynecologists, pediatricians, visiting nurses and counselors in psychotherapy were part of this program and although at first glance they did not seem necessary, in the end they proved to be essential in order to approach this important topic in the most comprehensive way possible", explained Slijepčević.
She believes that such programs raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and its benefits for both babies and mothers.
"There are so many useful tips and examples from other moms that you later experience yourself and be proud that you are on the right path." "Breastfeeding school should really be included as one mandatory training during pregnancy, especially for first-time mothers, when you really don't know what awaits you, because these lectures are a treasure," said Slijepčević.
She said that breastfeeding the twins, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, was a good decision because it provided the best protection for the babies, resulting in no colds, allergies or any difficulties for the twins during their first year of life.
On the other hand, as stated, different social norms and roles often have an impact on pregnant women as well as their partners and family.
"The traditional division between men's and women's jobs is not present in Jelena's married life, so her husband was a huge support in the whole process and actively informed himself about the breastfeeding process and the program offered by the Center for Counseling and Personal Development School," the statement added.
Slijepčević said that in the end it is important to state that breastfeeding is not an easy process, but it is unique.
"My advice to all mothers-to-be is to breastfeed their newborns from the first day, according to their possibilities, since mother's milk is a medicine and something that a child needs," said Slijepčević.
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