Six New Lactation Counsellors Strengthen Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding mothers and families across Belize will now have greater access to trained, hands-on support. Six newly certified lactation counsellors have completed an intensive six-month program designed to help mothers overcome breastfeeding challenges and give their babies a healthier start. The counsellors were officially recognized during a ceremony this morning, where Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard commended them for completing the training. Bernard says the initiative supports the ministry’s Breastfeeding Policy, launched in 2024, and strengthens its wider effort to promote successful breastfeeding through education, practical guidance and continued family support.
Kevin Bernard
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“I am very happy to be here to support and as the minister we ensure that we are here to give the support at every level, both from the directorship level to ministerial level, to the Cabinet level for these types of initiatives that will only bring betterment, to promote a healthier breastfeeding policy, healthier children and healthier breastfeeding mothers.”
Dr. Karen Bell
Dr. Karen Bell, PAHO Belize Representative
“The evidence has been very clear that breast feeding is the optimal nutrition for newborns. It has the right consistency of all the nutrients that the baby needs for growth and development. It is at the right temperature, always available in the right quantities and it helps to protect the baby from infectious diseases and chronic diseases later in life.”
Sajid Ali
Sajid Ali, UNICEF Belize Representative
“UNICEF has funded the training for four out of the six counsellors. We are very proud that they have now completed the training and the expectation is that they will be advocates for breastfeeding counseling, that they will encourage others to also follow through and as we go forward, we need to look at how we can have more of these trainings and more counsellors.”
The newly certified lactation counsellors will be deployed to support health regions across the country.
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