Glass Jar Donations Boost Playa Del Carmen Milk Bank

In celebration of the end of World Breastfeeding Week, a special event was held in the City of Joy, Cancún. The event, attended by mothers from the Vifac home and representatives from the Playa del Carmen human milk bank, saw the donation of glass jars to the milk bank.

The Playa del Carmen human milk bank had been in need of containers to measure out pasteurized milk. These jars will ensure that the milk can be delivered in small doses to babies in the nursery or to mothers who need it.

Dr. Víctor Espinosa, from the human milk bank, emphasized the importance of breastfeeding. He said, "Breastfeeding is the most complete form of feeding that exists, as ancient as the history of humanity. Each drop of breast milk transmits nutrition, love, comfort and an unbreakable bond between mother and child. This action, so natural and powerful, nourishes the body, the soul and quiets the heart."

The event also aimed to promote the message of the Global Alliance for Breastfeeding Support Mexico, led by the World Health Organization (WHO). Each year, the alliance works with a different theme to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. This year's theme was "Closing the gap, supporting breastfeeding in all situations".

The alliance focuses on several objectives. The first is investing in women and protecting breastfeeding. This involves training doctors and health personnel to stay updated on breastfeeding practices. The second objective is to encourage social and community support to promote equality and equity. This includes acknowledging the role of volunteers, especially mothers supporting other mothers. The final objective is to ensure support for mothers in the early stages of breastfeeding. Statistics show that the first three weeks of a baby's life are crucial for establishing breastfeeding for six months, a year, or even longer. However, without support, particularly from medical personnel, successful breastfeeding can be challenging.

Throughout the week, courses were provided for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Medical staff from the family medicine unit of unit 14 of the IMSS, including about 100 doctors, nurses, social workers, and nutritionists, also received updated training.