Ministry of Health releases book on breastfeeding

The National Breastfeeding Coordinating Unit in the Directorate of Women’s Health has developed a book on Breastfeeding titled, “Breastfeeding & Beyond: A Guide to Infant and Child Feeding”, which will be given free of charge to pregnant women at antenatal clinics at public health facilities.

The National Breastfeeding Coordinating Unit in the Directorate of Women’s Health has developed a book on Breastfeeding titled, “Breastfeeding & Beyond: A Guide to Infant and Child Feeding”, which will be given free of charge to pregnant women at antenatal clinics at public health facilities.

An official statement from the Ministry of Health explains that technical and financial support for the publication was provided by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).  A digital copy of the breastfeeding guide is available now on the Women’s Health page of Ministry’s website at www.health.gov.tt/services/womens-health.  

The Ministry says a version in Braille will be made available to the public in the coming year.

Minister Terrence Deyalsingh presents Dr. Erica Wheeler with a copy of the first National Breastfeeding Policy of Trinidad and Tobago. (Image courtesy Ministry of Health)

The official handing over ceremony for the new breastfeeding guide took place on Thursday December 9th, 2021, at which Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, and Mrs. Debra Thomas, Manager of the National Breastfeeding Coordinating Unit, took receipt of the books from Dr. Erica Wheeler, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Country Representative.

Minister Deyalsingh also took the opportunity to present Dr. Wheeler with a copy of the first National Breastfeeding Policy of Trinidad and Tobago, one of the first policies of its kind in the Caribbean region.

The Health Ministry says such activities—namely the creation of the national policy and the guide—are being done in support of its “Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, as the Ministry continues to work towards providing mother and baby friendly care at all of the hospitals”.