BNMS joins World Breastfeeding Week
The Bahrain Nursing and Midwifery Society (BNMS), through its Midwifery Committee, participated in Bahrain’s activities marking World Breastfeeding Week 2026, in collaboration with Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC).
The initiative focused on raising awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and highlighting the role of nurses and midwives in supporting mothers during the early stages of motherhood.
BNMS President Seham Alshaikh and Chairperson of the Midwifery Committee Sakina Yaser, along with committee members, visited labour rooms and postnatal wards at SMC, where they met mothers following childbirth and provided information, guidance and encouragement on breastfeeding.
The activity was supported by SMC leadership, including Dr Mariam Al Jalahma, Chief Nursing Officer Najat Rustum, and nursing and midwifery leadership.
Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Ms Sakina Yaser said, “Breastfeeding is recognised in Islam as an important practice, with the Holy Quran referring to breastfeeding for two full years. From a public health perspective, breastfeeding supports the health and wellbeing of mothers, newborns and children and is encouraged as part of maternal and child healthcare.”
She further added that midwives and nurses play a key role in this area, as they work closely with women throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. Their direct contact with mothers provides opportunities to offer practical guidance, address concerns, and encourage the early initiation and continuation of breastfeeding.
The initiative also reflects the principles of the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), launched in 1991 to encourage maternity and newborn services to adopt practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
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