Barcarena Maternal and Child Hospital intensifies actions to encourage human milk donations
Educational activities, training, and mobilizations marked the Golden August program at the unit
Throughout the month of August, the Barcarena Maternal and Child Hospital Dr. Anna Turan (HMIB), located in the Baixo Tocantins region, promoted a series of actions in homage to Golden August (a national campaign dedicated to promoting breastfeeding). The program, conducted by the hospital's Humanization Commission, aimed to raise awareness among the population about the importance of breast milk and encourage donations to the unit's Human Milk Bank.
The opening of the activities featured a roundtable discussion between donor mothers and mothers of hospitalized babies. The meeting fostered an enriching and emotional exchange of experiences. “It was a moment of listening, hope, and support. The mothers of our premature babies were able to hear from other women how breast milk saves lives. An experience that strengthens bonds and promotes trust,” highlighted Larissa Ribeiro, psychologist and coordinator of the HMIB multiprofessional team.
Gesture of love that saves lives - Among the donors, Safira do Nascimento Souza shared her journey with breastfeeding and milk donation. “My daughter was exclusively breastfed until she was 6 months old and continues to breastfeed on demand. I started donating when she was just one month old and I continue to this day, with her now being 1 year and 3 months old. Breastfeeding is food, protection, love, and security,” she said.
For Safira, the act of breastfeeding goes beyond nutrition. “It’s a magical experience. It’s indescribable to see your child satisfied with something that comes from you. It’s giving, connection, it’s life. I will continue breastfeeding as long as it is good for both of us,” she stated emotionally.
Partnership with primary care and training of professionals
The actions of Golden August also involved activities outside the hospital walls. In partnership with Primary Care, an interactive dynamic was held with pregnant women and postpartum women from the community. The meeting addressed myths and truths about breastfeeding, labor, and milk donation, promoting a space for dialogue between health professionals and users.
“The initiative strengthened the support network for women in the communities served, uniting the UBS and the hospital for maternal and child health,” explained Thamires Magno, the HMIB Nutrition Coordinator.
In addition to the guidance, the Milk Bank team promoted home collection and registration of new donors. “We managed to register three new donors and, for the first time in 2025, we reached the monthly goal of 15 liters of donated human milk. An important milestone to save the lives of premature babies hospitalized in the Neonatal ICU,” celebrated Bruna Viana, nursing technician at the Milk Bank.
Health education: a permanent commitment
As part of the program, the hospital conducted theoretical-practical training on breastfeeding with the unit's staff. Professionals from different sectors participated in case studies involving the main difficulties faced by mothers, such as improper latch, breast engorgement, and mastitis.
“The goal is to train all workers to become multipliers of the importance of breastfeeding, both inside and outside the hospital environment,” explained Larissa Ribeiro.
In the unit's outpatient clinic, the project "While I wait, I learn" promoted an activity with high-risk prenatal pregnant women, using playful dynamics to demystify information and reinforce the value of breast milk.
“When we create spaces for listening and education with the community, we strengthen bonds and expand our impact. As a Child-Friendly Hospital, we are committed to protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding — and this starts with quality information,” reinforced Flavine Gonçalves, nurse and head of the HMIB Permanent Education Center.
Text: Suellen Santos / Ascom Sespa
