As part of World Breastfeeding Week, the Doctor José Molina Orosa University Hospital, affiliated with the Canary Islands Government's Health Department, emphasizes the essential work of its midwives. These professionals in the Gynecology ward provide comprehensive support to women after childbirth, crucial for a safe start to breastfeeding and maternal recovery.
During 2025, the hospital recorded 1,016 births, with 1,027 newborns. In the first half of this year, the figures stand at 459 births and 467 babies, reflecting the high activity in the delivery room and the Gynecology and Obstetrics ward.
Midwives' care extends beyond initial advice. They offer personalized support to resolve doubts, establish effective breastfeeding, and detect early difficulties. They assist mothers who wish to breastfeed and those opting for formula feeding, respecting family decisions and providing information on lactation inhibition or bottle preparation.
The unit is equipped with resources such as nursing pillows, breast pumps, nipple shields, and relactation systems for complex cases. Midwives also follow up with mothers whose babies are admitted to Pediatrics or Neonatology, fostering the mother-child bond.
The midwifery team notes that "most breastfeeding difficulties arise within the first 48 hours after birth. Being by the mothers' side at that moment allows us to resolve many doubts before discharge and give them the confidence to continue at home."
Support continues post-discharge, coordinating with Primary Care and the Specialized Breastfeeding Support Service for cases requiring close home monitoring. They collaborate with pediatricians in outpatient clinics and serve as a reference for obstetric emergencies related to the postpartum period and breastfeeding during weekends and holidays.
Activity data shows an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 47% at Molina Orosa, 17% formula feeding, and 36% supplemented breastfeeding. A survey indicates high satisfaction: 95.8% with information received, 87.5% with information quality, and 91.7% with professional treatment.
The hospital upholds its commitment to breastfeeding, recognized by its accreditation as a Center Committed to Excellence in Care (BPSO) and its participation in the WHO and UNICEF's Initiative for the Humanization of Childbirth and Breastfeeding (IHAN).
Breastfeeding offers significant benefits, strengthening the emotional bond, aiding postpartum recovery, and reducing the risk of diseases like breast and ovarian cancer for mothers. For infants, it provides antibodies, promotes cognitive development, and helps prevent infectious and other short- and long-term health problems.
