Belize Certifies First Cohort of Lactation Counsellors

Belize’s first cohort of lactation counsellors was officially certified today, a move to provide mothers with practical breastfeeding support.  Six counsellors completed the training and were recognized during the National Breastfeeding Lactation Counsellor Award Ceremony and Training at the Belize Biltmore Plaza. They are expected to be placed at regional health facilities, where they will assist mothers experiencing common breastfeeding challenges, including difficulties with positioning and attachment.  The hope is that the counsellors will eventually extend their services beyond health facilities and provide support within communities. Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard says the programme will give mothers and families greater access to trained professionals who can help them overcome difficulties that may prevent continued breastfeeding.

The initiative was organized by the Ministry in partnership with UNICEF, the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama.  It forms part of Belize’s National Breastfeeding Policy 2024 to 2034, which seeks to improve breastfeeding practices and create stronger support systems for mothers.  PAHO/WHO Representative in Belize, Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, highlighted the health and nutritional benefits breastfeeding provides for both mothers and children.

Belize has also been working to create more breastfeeding-friendly spaces in healthcare facilities and workplaces. In May 2024, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital opened a lactation lounge in its maternity ward, giving mothers and employees a safe and comfortable area to breastfeed or express milk.  More recently, UNICEF and the Ministry partnered with Transparent BPO to establish two equipped workplace lactation rooms. The facilities are intended to help mothers continue breastfeeding after returning to work while balancing their employment and caregiving responsibilities.