Every year from the 1st to 7th August, more than 120 countries celebrate and observe World Breastfeeding Week to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies all around the world. In conjunction with this auspicious week, Parenthood and Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) organized The Love Latch, an event and workshop to advocate and encourage breastfeeding among new mummies. Over 50 couples and their babies were present, not just to pledge their commitment in breastfeeding, but to also learn a thing or two through talks conducted by experts from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL).
The event started off with a simultaneous latch session, where mummies latch their babies for about one minute or so. The session was facilitated by Sister Elizabeth Richard, PHKL’s very own lactation consultant. Nursing covers from Lunavie were also distributed to every mummy who participated, so they would feel comfortable to breastfeed in public.
After a successful latching session, Daddies were invited into the hall to accompany their wife for the Touch of Love session, where they learnt a few massage techniques that will help baby to relax and calm down. Facilitated by Sister Elizabeth as well, mummies and daddies were taught the proper techniques and ways on how to massage a baby’s face and arms. These techniques are said to not only promote relaxation, but to promote a good night’s sleep- definitely useful for babies who are having trouble sleeping!
After a delicious brunch, Dr Uma Sothinathan, Consultant Paediatrician of PHKL kick-started the talk session with her topic on First Food which covers the types of food that are suitable for different ages, incorporating solids and breast milk, as well as foods to avoid in the first year. Her talked garnered numerous questions from curious parents who needed advice and clarification on the topic.
Following Dr Uma’s talk was Dr Mohammed Ridzuan Abdul Razak, Senior Resident Medical officer in the Emergency Department of PHKL who taught parents the basic first aid skills that they can do at home in case of an emergency. Some of the topics include ‘what to do when a child is accidentally scalded with hot water’, ‘how to handle cuts and bruises’, and ‘when to seek immediate help in an emergency’. Dr Ridzuan also demonstrated the proper technique to relieve a child from choking using a baby sized mannequin as his subject.
Last but not least, it was all about taking care of one of the most hardworking body part for us women- our breasts. As a breastfeeding mum, our breast works hard to provide for our baby, and it’s common to come across issues such as milk ducts and sore nipples. Sister Elizabeth who delivered this talk provided some great advice on taking care of our breast and health while answering numerous questions that were in the minds of our mummies present.
Thanks to some amazing sponsors, parents present also had the chance to win some awesome prizes including a few Johnsons Newborn set, Kao Merries Diapers, a Lunavie gift hamper, a Cream Haus Creamy Seat Cushion, two Pigeon Breast Pump Pro and the grand prize of a Hanil UV Sterilizer.
The Love Latch may be an annual event for Parenthood and Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, so be sure to follow us on our social media for updates and information to join us at the next Love Latch.
Parenthood
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Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Web: www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur
FB: @PantaiHospitalKL
IG:@pantaihospitalkualalumpur
