Westmoreland Public Health Department Marks Breastfeeding Week

The Westmoreland Public Health Department is undertaking a series of activities across the parish from September 20 to 26 in observance of National Breastfeeding Week 2026.

This year’s observance is being held under the theme ‘Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works’.

Parish Nutritionist for Westmoreland, Gladoris Robinson-Reid, said activities are being undertaken across the parish’s 20 health centres, hospital and health department, and include breastfeeding education, treats and interactive sessions to support mothers and families.

At the Savanna-la-Mar Health Centre, Mrs. Robinson-Reid noted that the breastfeeding support group is being revamped and a treasure hunt has been incorporated into its education sessions to improve engagement.

The Parish Nutritionist said the department is taking the breastfeeding message beyond health facilities, with plans for pop-up activities in public spaces in areas such as Grange Hill, Little London and Negril, subject to weather conditions.

One of the major activities for the week will be a ‘breastfeeding village’ at the Women’s Centre on Friday (September 25), where adolescent mothers will receive practical information on breastfeeding and infant care.

“We’ll be teaching them things like how to swaddle a baby, how to take care. So, baby hygiene and care will be done,” Mrs. Robinson-Reid said.

The young mothers will also receive information on infant feeding cues and breastfeeding techniques.

Healthcare workers have also organised a drive to collect baby essentials, including diapers, receivers and other supplies, which will be presented to the young mothers during the visit.

Mrs. Robinson-Reid told JIS News that the department is deliberately extending its education efforts to relatives and other members of the mothers’ support systems.

“We want extended family members to be aware of, you know, what breastfeeding is and how to support breastfeeding with family members,” she said.

The week will culminate with a church service at the Delveland Seventh-day Adventist Church on Saturday (September 26), beginning at 10: 00 a.m.