Awareness workshop marks World Breastfeeding Week

Abu Dhabi, 5 August 2015: Danat Al Emarat (DAE), the premium specialty women and children’s hospital soon-to-open in Abu Dhabi, hosted an educational workshop today on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week. Part of DAE’s drive to provide world-class health services for women and children, the initiative drew a significant number of mothers-to-be.

“We are delighted to open our doors to the Abu Dhabi community and engage with future mothers during this very special workshop in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week. DAE is determined to continuously host events to promote discussion and provide the latest health information on women and children’s wellbeing”, said Cheow Seng Lee, CEO of Danat Al Emarat Hospital.

Led by some of DAE’s key consultants & specialists – Dr. Gowri Ramanathan, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Rihan Saafan, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Aziah Abdullah, Lactation Specialist – the workshop focused on preparing expectant mothers for the vital days, weeks and months after their babies are born, encouraging them to breastfeed and providing them with the knowledge and confidence to successfully do it.

Noting the importance of breastfeeding, Dr. Gowri Ramanathan, Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Services said:  “Breastfeeding is very important not only for infants, but for mothers as well.  The benefits are tremendous and extend beyond providing your children with the needed nutrients and vitamins, to supplying them with disease-fighting substances that protect from any illnesses, in addition to boosting their intelligence. Breastfeeding also helps improve mothers’ health by reducing risks of post-natal depression, future osteoporosis, and some types of cancer.”

After the workshop, participants had the opportunity to take a special tour of DAE’s facility, the first purpose-built private hospital for women and children in Abu Dhabi, which will provide high quality, clinically safe and financially sustainable services.

Oliver Limon who attended the workshop with his wife Jenie said, “The workshop was very useful for us as this is our third baby and we would like to try breastfeeding for the first time. We got a lot out of it and found the lactation topic beneficial for us, in addition to the breastfeeding issues they tackled and how to deal with them. All the doctors present at the workshop were very accommodating in answering all our questions. We also got a chance to see the wonderful facilities at this luxurious hospital which exceeded our expectations. After all we have seen today, we look forward to delivering our baby here.”

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year, in over 170 countries around the globe, from 1 to 7 August and aims to raise awareness of the health and wellbeing benefits of breastfeeding for mothers, children and the long term public health for everyone.