{"id":22015,"date":"2025-08-11T17:33:54","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T15:33:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=22015"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:03:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:03:40","slug":"expanded-lactation-centre-chris-hani-baragwanath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/expanded-lactation-centre-chris-hani-baragwanath\/","title":{"rendered":"Expanded Lactation Centre at Chris Hani Baragwanath Supports More Mothers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Gauteng has expanded its lactation centre to provide enhanced support for mothers. This expansion is part of a broader initiative by the Gauteng Department of Health. It aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes. The centre\u2019s increased capacity ensures that more mothers can access the vital resources needed to successfully breastfeed. This contributes to the nutritional well-being of infants across the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/trauma-nurses-in-gauteng\/\">How Trauma Nurses in Gauteng Are Saving Lives \u2013 Even After Hours<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-the-importance-of-breastfeeding-for-premature-babies\" data-level=\"2\">The Importance of Breastfeeding for Premature Babies<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-expanded-lactation-centre-at-chris-hani-baragwanath\" data-level=\"2\">The Expanded Lactation Centre at Chris Hani Baragwanath<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-the-centre-offers\" data-level=\"2\">What the Centre Offers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-addressing-breastfeeding-challenges\" data-level=\"2\">Addressing Breastfeeding Challenges<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-common-challenges-tackled-by-the-centre\" data-level=\"3\">Common Challenges Tackled by the Centre<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-broader-impact-on-the-community\" data-level=\"2\">Broader Impact on the Community<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-economic-and-health-benefits\" data-level=\"2\">Economic and Health Benefits<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strengthening-maternal-and-child-health-in-gauteng\" data-level=\"2\">Strengthening Maternal and Child Health in Gauteng<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-enhancing-the-hospital-s-role-in-maternal-health\" data-level=\"2\">Enhancing the Hospital\u2019s Role in Maternal Health<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-a-step-toward-healthier-communities\" data-level=\"2\">A Step Toward Healthier Communities<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expansion of the RMHC Lactation Centre at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On 5 August 2025, the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Lactation Centre at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital was officially expanded to better serve mothers of premature and hospitalised newborns. This expansion increases the centre&#8217;s capacity to accommodate up to 44 women per session, a significant increase from the previous capacity of 18. The expansion ensures that more mothers can access the essential services they need to successfully express breast milk, which is vital for the survival and development of premature infants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1790912046\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-importance-of-breastfeeding-for-premature-babies\">The Importance of Breastfeeding for Premature Babies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Breast milk is critical for premature babies as it strengthens their immunity, reduces the risk of infections, and supports overall organ development. As such, the RMHC Lactation Centre plays a crucial role in supporting mothers who need to express milk for their babies, especially those in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In June 2025 alone, the Centre recorded over 1,900 visits, with mothers expressing more than 131 litres of breast milk. This milk directly benefited infants in the NICUs, contributing to their health and recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754925650-1024x549.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-22025\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.gov.za\/Departments\/DepartmentPublicationDetails\/%7Bf52a503c-08c8-4bf6-8ce7-faf58bc2962b%7D?departmentId=CPM-001006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gauteng Department of Health<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-expanded-lactation-centre-at-chris-hani-baragwanath\">The Expanded Lactation Centre at Chris Hani Baragwanath<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The lactation centre at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, one of Gauteng\u2019s largest healthcare facilities, has been expanded to accommodate the growing demand for breastfeeding support. The newly upgraded centre offers more space and resources for mothers. It assists those seeking help with breastfeeding techniques. It also aids in managing lactation issues and understanding the health benefits of breastfeeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3633259488\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-the-centre-offers\">What the Centre Offers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The expanded centre now provides the following services:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Personalized Consultations<\/strong>: Expert lactation consultants offer one-on-one sessions to address specific breastfeeding challenges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Group Workshops<\/strong>: Mothers can attend group support sessions to learn about breastfeeding techniques and share experiences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Education on Health Benefits<\/strong>: The centre educates mothers about the numerous benefits of breastfeeding for both themselves and their babies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This holistic approach to breastfeeding support aims to build mothers&#8217; confidence. It helps them establish successful breastfeeding routines. This enables them to continue breastfeeding for the recommended duration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-addressing-breastfeeding-challenges\">Addressing Breastfeeding Challenges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many new mothers face breastfeeding difficulties such as low milk supply, latching issues, and discomfort during feeding. In some instances, cultural factors or a lack of understanding about the importance of breastfeeding can lead to early weaning. It may also result in reliance on formula feeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-challenges-tackled-by-the-centre\">Common Challenges Tackled by the Centre<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The lactation centre at Chris Hani Baragwanath is dedicated to helping mothers overcome these common breastfeeding issues. Some of the challenges addressed include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Low Milk Supply<\/strong>: Providing strategies and techniques to increase milk production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Latching Problems<\/strong>: Helping mothers achieve the correct latch to ensure effective feeding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Discomfort or Pain<\/strong>: Offering guidance on how to reduce pain during breastfeeding and improve comfort.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By providing personalized support, the lactation centre ensures that mothers can successfully navigate these challenges and continue breastfeeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83c\udf1f The launch of the extended lactation centre at Chris <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/HaniAcademic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@HaniAcademic<\/a> Hospital will promote exclusive breastfeeding\ud83c\udf7c, support maternal &amp; infant health, and ensure safe, dignified spaces for moms to express milk for premature and ill newborns in neonatal care. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/BreastfeedingWeek?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#BreastfeedingWeek<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/fGzULqKX47\">pic.twitter.com\/fGzULqKX47<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1952661793999884772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">August 5, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1952661793999884772\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X\/Twitter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3431617472\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-broader-impact-on-the-community\">Broader Impact on the Community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The expanded lactation centre not only benefits individual mothers but also has a wider impact on the community. Promoting breastfeeding reduces the reliance on formula feeding. Formula feeding can be costly for many families. Breastfeeding is a free, nutritious, and highly beneficial way to feed infants. It makes feeding accessible for families in the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Patricia Mulaudzi, now the Centre\u2019s manager, also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.gov.za\/Departments\/DepartmentPublicationDetails\/%7Bf52a503c-08c8-4bf6-8ce7-faf58bc2962b%7D?departmentId=CPM-001006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">began her journey<\/a> as a mother in need of<br>support. \u201cI walked into the room feeling broken, but the staff reminded me I was loved, cared for,<br>and not alone. They gave me hope and made sure I felt supported every single day.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-economic-and-health-benefits\">Economic and Health Benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The economic benefits of breastfeeding are significant. By reducing the need for expensive formula and medical interventions, breastfeeding helps families save money. Furthermore, the health benefits associated with breastfeeding contribute to reduced healthcare costs. It does so by lowering the incidence of childhood illnesses and improving long-term health outcomes for both mothers and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-486941390\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strengthening-maternal-and-child-health-in-gauteng\">Strengthening Maternal and Child Health in Gauteng<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The expansion of the lactation centre at Chris Hani Baragwanath is an essential step. It strengthens maternal and child health services in Gauteng. The centre now has the capacity to assist more mothers. This ensures they receive the necessary support to breastfeed successfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754924944-748x1024.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-22021\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1953367741877952568\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X\/Twitter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-enhancing-the-hospital-s-role-in-maternal-health\">Enhancing the Hospital\u2019s Role in Maternal Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As one of the largest hospitals in Gauteng, Chris Hani Baragwanath plays a vital role in the province\u2019s maternal and child health services. The expanded lactation centre strengthens this role. It offers comprehensive breastfeeding support to mothers in need. This initiative complements other maternal health services provided at the hospital. Thus, it ensures that mothers and babies receive holistic care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"New Lactation Centre at Bara promotes exclusive breastfeeding\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KNNT_3lO51k?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/KNNT_3lO51k?si=5wj5yLBA7fJHCtda\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2636905265\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-step-toward-healthier-communities\">A Step Toward Healthier Communities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The expanded lactation centre at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital is an important development. It is part of Gauteng\u2019s efforts to improve maternal and child health. By providing more mothers with the support they need to successfully breastfeed, the centre plays a crucial role. It promotes better health outcomes for both mothers and infants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.gov.za\/Departments\/DepartmentPublicationDetails\/%7Bf52a503c-08c8-4bf6-8ce7-faf58bc2962b%7D?departmentId=CPM-001006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">praised<\/a> the Centre as \u201ca gift of love, health, and support,\u201d and highlighted<br>the success of public-private partnerships in making the expansion possible. \u201cLet us keep<br>the milk flowing. Let us keep the partnerships growing,\u201d she urged.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This expansion is a significant step in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.gov.za\/Departments\/DepartmentPublicationDetails\/%7Bf52a503c-08c8-4bf6-8ce7-faf58bc2962b%7D?departmentId=CPM-001006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gauteng Department of Health\u2019s<\/a> broader commitment to improving healthcare services for families. It serves as a model for other healthcare facilities across the province. It demonstrates the importance of supporting breastfeeding as a key component of infant and maternal well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754925022-716x1024.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-22022\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1952414404030480406\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X\/Twitter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Gauteng has expanded its lactation centre to provide enhanced support for mothers. This expansion is part of a broader initiative by the Gauteng Department of Health. It aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes. The centre\u2019s increased capacity ensures that more mothers can access the vital resources needed to<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":22018,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Gauteng has expanded its lactation centre to provide enhanced support for mothers. This expansion is part of a broader...","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[454,5852,608,4212,3857],"class_list":{"0":"post-22015","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-chris-hani-baragwanath-hospital","9":"tag-community-development","10":"tag-gauteng-department-of-health","11":"tag-mec-nomantu-nkomo-ralehoko","12":"tag-public-health"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22015","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22015"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22015\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22026,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22015\/revisions\/22026"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22018"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22015"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22015"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22015"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}