ULS Almada-Seixal Reinforces Breastfeeding Support

Initiatives celebrate European Breastfeeding Week with a focus on information and family support.

Mother's hands holding a newborn baby's feet in a hospital.
AI

Mother's hands holding a newborn baby's feet in a hospital.

The Breastfeeding Commission of ULS Almada-Seixal (ULSAS) organized, starting September 28th, at Hospital Garcia de Orta (HGO), a series of initiatives as part of the European Breastfeeding Week 2026, themed “Breastfeeding for a sustainable start to life: strengthen what works”.

The main objective of these actions was to raise awareness among health professionals, families, and the community about the importance of protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding as a fundamental strategy for health and well-being from birth. The initiative sought to value and optimize ULSAS's support practices and policies, reinforcing the commitment to providing quality information and adequate support throughout the breastfeeding journey.
The intervention focused on three levels: within the institution, offering preparation courses for parenthood, obstetrics consultations, professional training, support for mothers and premature babies, and the Human Milk Bank; in the community, by disseminating support networks and clarifying doubts; and regarding the return to work, by providing information on labor rights and leave to facilitate work-life balance.
During the week, symbolically marked in the 40th week of the year, the Breastfeeding Commission visited pregnant women during their obstetrics consultations, delivering a message of protection and confidence, and distributed the sticker “I support breastfeeding”. An exhibition of photographs related to the theme was also displayed in the HGO atrium, featuring testimonials and myth-busting information about breastfeeding.
The initiative aligns with the theme set by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), in partnership with the WHO and UNICEF, which aims to raise awareness of breastfeeding as a right, identifying and removing obstacles. ULSAS congratulated the Commission for valuing existing practices and monitoring progress in nutrition, food security, and poverty reduction.
Based on information from the official source: ULS Almada-Seixal (Hospital Garcia de Orta) (07/10/2026)