Every year, countries around the world observe World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) for a good reason: breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to provide children everywhere with the best start to life.
This year, the Health Services Authority (HSA) and Public Health Department embraced the annual celebration of World Breastfeeding Week with a luncheon held in honor of one of breastfeeding’s greatest local supporters, the Cayman Islands Breastfeeding Support Group.
“In addition to raising awareness of the importance and benefits of breastfeeding, we wanted to recognise the individuals who collaborate with us to do so each year – the Cayman Islands Breastfeeding Support Group,” stated HSA Dietician Simone Sheehan.
“Each member of this group is a volunteer who is knowledgeable in breastfeeding, and many are lactation consultants. This group makes itself readily available in every district to mothers who need guidance and support, whether through a breastfeeding lesson or the rental or purchase of breastfeeding equipment.”
To recognise the group’s consistent efforts, the HSA and Public Health treated the volunteers to lunch at Casanova Ristorante where they were presented with certificates of appreciation for their many years of support to the practice of breastfeeding.
Volunteer Abigail Parchment said, “The volunteers of the Cayman Islands Breastfeeding Support Group are honoured to have been shown this gesture of appreciation. When we offer support to breastfeeding families we do so because we know how beneficial breastfeeding is and we have a passion for growing the practice in Cayman. Knowing that our efforts are meaningful fuels that drive to continue to give where we can. Thank you to the Ministry of Health, the Health Services Authority and the Public Health Department for many years of working together to create a village of support for breastfeeding and for the recognition of the efforts of our volunteers.”
