KNYSNA NEWS - When Asakhanya Gungubele from Knysna became a mother for the first time, breastfeeding felt overwhelming.

"As with most first-time mothers, I wasn't sure I could keep going," she remembers.

Now, as a more experienced parent, she's nine months into breastfeeding her second child - and thriving. "This time, I knew what to expect and I have support. I plan to continue until my little one turns two."

Gungubele's story is just one of many across the Western Cape showing how support - whether from family, healthcare professionals, or workplaces - can empower mothers to give their babies the best start in life.

This year's World Breastfeeding Week, observed globally from 1 to 7 August, carried the theme: "Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems." It's a powerful reminder that no mother should have to breastfeed alone.

Breastfeeding: A lifeline for families
Health experts agree that for the first six months, babies need only one thing - breastmilk. This "living food" provides all the nutrients and immune protection they need. Even after introducing solids at six months, continued breastfeeding remains a vital source of nutrition and emotional connection.

Marié Uys, a registered dietitian at Riversdale Hospital, says investing in breastfeeding is an investment in the future. "Supporting breastfeeding means securing a healthier, more prosperous future for our communities," she explains.

She emphasises that expecting and new mothers should be equipped with proper education, ongoing encouragement, and access to professional breastfeeding guidance. "It's not just about starting - it's about continuing, even when challenges arise," Uys says.

The power of support
Breastfeeding doesn't always come naturally. Mothers often struggle with sore nipples, doubts about milk supply, or balancing breastfeeding with work. This is where support becomes crucial.

Employers can play a transformative role by offering time and private, hygienic spaces for breastfeeding or expressing milk.

Families can help by sharing the load at home and offering consistent encouragement.

Communities can make public spaces more breastfeeding-friendly to reduce stigma and increase comfort for mothers.

How the Western Cape Government is making a difference
The Western Cape Government is actively building these support systems through its Mother Baby Friendly Initiative, which aims to:

• Ensure newborns receive immediate and exclusive breastfeeding where possible
• Train healthcare workers to offer compassionate, informed breastfeeding support
• Provide breastfeeding education during antenatal and postnatal care
• Promote workplace and community policies that support breastfeeding mothers.

This holistic approach aims to embed breastfeeding into the culture of care, not only at hospitals, but at homes too.

A shared responsibility
Breastfeeding is often seen as a personal journey, but its success hinges on collective effort.

As World Breastfeeding Week reminds us, it's a societal responsibility - and one that brings lifelong benefits.

For mothers like Asakhanya, having a network of support has turned breastfeeding from a challenge into a commitment of love and strength.

"It's not always easy," she says, "but I know I'm doing something powerful - and I don't have to do it alone."

For more information on breastfeeding support services in the Western Cape, contact your local clinic or visit www.westerncape.gov.za.

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