Breastfeeding in Fiji

I am blessed to live in a country where family is of utmost importance. This isn't a cheesy sentiment; it's a way of life. Babies are especially treasured, and attention and affection is lavished upon any babe-in-arms.

The Fiji government distributes a Health Record Card to every baby born in Fiji, and on the card's cover is a Fijian woman nursing a baby who looks to be about 9 months old, as her husband snuggles up to the nursing pair and looks on lovingly. The mama's shirt is generously unbuttoned giving her baby full access to the breast. The caption reads, “Breastfeeding and regularly weighing your child is the best way of expressing your love and care.” The Feeding Schedule on the back of the card gives instructions that a baby should be breastfeed until the age of 2.

And get this! There is NO formula and NO bottles in public hospitals. Recently a baby was abandoned at a local hospital and there was a newspaper article discussing the sticky situation the nurses were faced with as there was nothing to feed the baby! The walked down to the shop and bought some milk (formula, hopefully) and fed the baby out of a cup! Possibly there should be a wet nurse on call for these situations. Indeed, my little adopted Myah was blessed to have been breastfed by a young mother (not her birthmother) until she came to us at six days old. I am so grateful for that young mother selflessly giving Myah the best start possible, even as she took care of her own wee baby. The best part is that Myah was “plug and play” when she arrived in my arms, and breastfed until she self-weaned just after her first birthday.

I’ve nursed all four of my babies in public in Fiji, and have never had so much as a disapproving glance. (Okay, I admit I could be happily oblivious, but still). I’ve nursed in doctor’s offices, restaurants, theatres, market booths, boutiques, meetings, parks, government offices, the beach, parties, the ambassador’s residence, the U.S. Embassy, and I’ve even nursed walking down the street in the capital city. And all around me I hear the chorus of “Vinaka…Vinaka….” Thank you…good…beautiful…..