Celebrating breastfeeding in the Republic of Moldova

25 September 2018

On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, on 1–7 August 2019, a team of breastfeeding experts visited 11 communities across the Republic of Moldova, covering the north, south and the left bank of the Dniester River, with a mandate to “support parents and encourage breastfeeding”.On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, on 1–7 August 2019, a team of breastfeeding experts visited 11 communities across the Republic of Moldova, covering the north, south and the left bank of the Dniester River, with a mandate to “support parents and encourage breastfeeding”.

The engaging format of the open-air events with a party-like atmosphere provided an opportunity for participants to familiarize themselves with the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies, the correct breastfeeding positions, as well as with recommendations for nutrition during pregnancy and physical exercises.

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In the Republic of Moldova, only 36% of children are exclusively breastfed in the first 6 months of life, according to data collected through the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) in 2012. To improve the breastfeeding rate, breastfeeding open-air events were organized in Căușeni, Chișinău, Ungheni, Soroca, Edineț, Cahul, Comrat, Tiraspol and Rîbnița on 31 July–20 August 2019.

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“My first breastfeeding experience was not a positive one, the pain was unbearable. Unfortunately, I gave up after a month, but I wish I had been more insistent and asked for help…. This is why I came here to listen to specialists. Today I received answers to all my questions. Now I’m confident I will be able to breastfeed my second child,” says Marina Poroseci, a 26-year-old woman from Ungheni municipality.

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For most mothers, breastfeeding is a learned skill. Mothers may require additional breastfeeding support when learning how to breastfeed. For example, there are some techniques to ensure they feed the baby comfortably and that the baby is able to successfully feed. “There are many breastfeeding positions that may work differently for each mother,” says Alina Shmurun, breastfeeding consultant and co-founder of “Mămica Alăptează” (Mummy is Breastfeeding).

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“I usually look for information on the internet, but I know it’s not the most reliable source. This event gave me the opportunity to find out more about breastfeeding from actual health experts. My plan is now to breastfeed my son until he is 2, because, as I have now learned, breast milk strengthens his immune system and there is no better and healthier nutrition for him,” says Luminița Gherciu from Tătărăști village, Cahul district.

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“Many women have misconceptions about nutrition in pregnancy. This is mainly based on false beliefs derived from popular practices. Our mission is to break down the myths and educate women to adopt a healthy and balanced diet,” stresses Dr Ala Burlacu, obstetrician-gynaecologist from the Mother and Child Institute, Chișinău.

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“Today I understood how important breastfeeding is,” says Denis Tighinean from Soroca municipality, who became a father a few days ago. “My wife and I are convinced that our baby should be breastfed for a longer period, to be sure she develops and grows healthily. I help my wife with everything she needs. I put the baby to sleep, I change her diapers, I take her for a walk in the park…. I’m always with my girls.” The support of fathers is crucial for mothers’ mental health and creating an conducive environment in the household.

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Women attain numerous benefits from physical activity during and after pregnancy. Local sport instructors demonstrated a set of exercises for pregnant women and new mothers, which were in turn practiced by the participants.

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“Breastfeeding is a gift, and mothers need to know how to take full advantage of it, so that their babies can grow healthily,” say these experienced mothers from Comrat city. For them, the event was an additional opportunity to test their knowledge, learn new information and share their experience with young families.

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“I’m encouraging all parents to support breastfeeding, because it offers so many health benefits and also creates a strong emotional connection with the child,” concludes Ala Nemerenco, Minister of Health, Labour and Social Protection. “There is a need for more breastfeeding consultants in maternity wards. We also have to strengthen the capacity of primary health care to provide parents with informed advice about the benefits of breastfeeding, not only for mothers and babies, but families and the economy as a whole.”

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