Maternity Ward's Solution Boosts Breastfeeding Rates: 'The Cheapest and Most Effective Immunization'

In Romania, where official statistics paint a concerning picture of low breastfeeding rates, one maternity ward has found a powerful solution: a dedicated "lactarium" offering tangible support to new mothers.

The Slatina County Emergency Hospital's Neonatology Department has seen a marked increase in breastfeeding rates over the past six months, directly attributed to the establishment of this specialized room. The lactarium is equipped with six professional breast pumps and staffed by professionals who counsel and assist mothers facing challenges with breastfeeding.

"In this sense, in the last six months, the rate of breastfeeding has increased in the department, thanks to these breast pumps. Mothers stimulate their lactation, it establishes earlier, and thus the newborn is put to the breast and can receive formula supplementation on the first, at the latest on the second day of life. After that, they remain on exclusive breastfeeding," explained Dr. Lucica Alexe, head of the Neonatology Section.

This initiative aligns with the global celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, emphasizing the critical importance of breast milk as the "gold standard" for infant nutrition. While global exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants under six months stand at around 48%, Romania's last official data from 2011 indicated a mere 12.6% exclusive breastfeeding rate, underscoring the urgent need for such supportive measures.

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In this sense, in the last six months, the rate of breastfeeding has increased in the department, thanks to these breast pumps. Mothers stimulate their lactation, it establishes earlier, and thus the newborn is put to the breast and can receive formula supplementation on the first, at the latest on the second day of life. After that, they remain on exclusive breastfeeding.