French Doctors Extol Cuba's Post Natal Care

CUBA, March 30, 2007.- French medical doctor, Pierre Lequien, said he finds it hard to believe that Cuba is a third world country facing harsh economic hardships, after seeing first hand the country's achievements, in particular in the prevention of pregnancy risks and the treatment for new-born babies.

Speaking on behalf of the other 28 French experts attending a France-Cuba meeting on neonatology in Havana, Lequien pointed out that after participating in the forum, they have confirmed that the opinions of their Cuban colleagues most be definitely heard when it comes to drawing up common projects.

The First Cuba-France Meeting on Neonatology is sponsored by the Cuban Pediatrics Society and the Bebe du Monde French Association.

Dr. Laurence Caeymaex, president of the French Association told ACN that the exchange between the doctors and paramedic personnel from the two countries will allow them to put both nations on the same level regarding good practices of premature birth care, and to exchange treatment techniques.

Dr. Caeymaex made note of the use of breastfeeding by more than 90 percent of Cuban women who have just given birth. She expressed her satisfaction for having been able to corroborate the benefits of breastfeeding during her visit to a Maternity Hospital in the western Cuban province of Pinar del Rio.

Likewise, Caeymaex regarded as very original the Cuban technique allowing the mother to stay with the recent-born baby all the time while being in the hospital. (Cubaminrex-Cuban News Agency)