Fostering Breastfeeding Advocates

Date: Ocober 27, 2023

by Muhammad Farhan Mahmud

Location: Main Auditorium, PlanetIIUM, IIUM Kuantan

In a progressive stride towards enhancing maternal child care, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) collaborated with PKD Kuantan and Flagship 3.0: Promoting Breastfeeding Practice in Community to organize an intensive Training of the Trainers (TOT) Program for a 20-hours Breastfeeding Workshop. The event, held at the Main Auditorium of PlanetIIUM on Jalan Hospital Campus, IIUM Kuantan, unfolded over three dynamic days, comprising two days of lectures followed by an enlightening practical session on the third day.

With an ensemble of seven adept facilitators at the helm, the workshop welcomed a diverse cohort of participants, including dedicated staff nurses and medical officers from HTAA, esteemed staffs from IIUM Kuantan community, nurturing confinement ladies from Mamacare Kuantan, and a group of twelve enthusiastic fourth-year students from the esteemed Kulliyyah of Nursing; Arnihidayah Mualimin, Hurunain Roslan, Inas Zuhairah Jamaluddin, Nazirah Hamzah, Nik Adlin Syazana Nik Kamrulzaman, Nik Sayyidatul Irfah Nik Shah Bana, Nurrin Aisyah Ramlan, Nur Sabila Mohd Sanusi, Nurul Syamimi Izzati Hasmadi, Raidah Akmal Ahmad, Siti Hawa Zakaria, and Siti Silmiah Sukri. Accompanying them was Nurse Officer, Sr. Nurhidayah Mazlan, whose expertise and guidance added significant value to the learning experience.

The meticulously designed program commenced with a comprehensive exploration of breastfeeding fundamentals. Facilitators meticulously navigated through an array of topics, equipping participants with a profound understanding of lactation, infant feeding cues, and the critical nuances of establishing successful breastfeeding practices. As the lectures unfurled, participants were immersed in an interactive learning experience, enriched with evidence-based insights and practical demonstrations.

The second day of the program delved deeper into the intricacies of breastfeeding support. Facilitators elucidated strategies for addressing common breastfeeding challenges, underscoring the significance of a conducive environment for both mother and child. Additionally, participants were equipped with the essential skills to guide and support breastfeeding mothers, fostering confidence and a sense of empowerment.

The culmination of the program unfolded on the third day, as theory met practice in an engaging hands-on session. Participants were afforded the opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge, collaborating with facilitators in a simulated environment that mirrored real-life breastfeeding scenarios. This practical session proved instrumental in refining their skills and bolstering their ability to provide proficient support to breastfeeding mothers.

Notably, the diverse composition of participants added a multifaceted dimension to the workshop’s dynamic. The students from the Kulliyyah of Nursing lent their enthusiasm and academic rigor to the proceedings, contributing a vibrant energy and fresh perspectives that enriched the collective learning experience.

The collaborative effort between HTAA, PKD Kuantan, Flagship 3.0: Promoting Brestfeeding Practice in Community, and the dedicated participants not only underscored a commitment to maternal well-being but also heralded a new era in breastfeeding advocacy. By equipping a cadre of trainers with the knowledge and skills to champion breastfeeding support, the workshop illuminated a path towards a healthier, more nurturing maternal care landscape in the community.

As the three-day journey drew to a close, participants departed with a newfound sense of purpose and a reservoir of knowledge, poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of breastfeeding mothers and their infants. The success of the TOT workshop stands as a testament to the power of collaborative learning and underscores the potential for transformative impact when healthcare stakeholders unite in a shared mission.