The federal government has urged nursing mothers in the country to initiate breastfeeding within an hour of birth and practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life of their babies.
It also recommended continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond, with the introduction of appropriate complementary foods from six months for the child’s optimal growth.
The government, however, emphasised the importance of support from health care systems, family members, workplaces, and communities to help nursing mothers successfully breastfeed their babies.
The appeal is coming on the heels of the forthcoming commemoration of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), a global campaign aimed at raising awareness of the health and well-being benefits of breastfeeding for infants, young children, mothers, families, and society at large.
To mark this year’s WBW, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has organized a series of weeklong activities, it emerged in a statement on Monday by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Patricia Deworitshe, where the public was reminded of the unmatched health benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers, as well as its potential economic benefits for households and communities.
According to Deworitshe in the statement, breastfed babies have stronger immunity and a reduced risk of infections and many childhood illnesses. She emphasized that breast milk is the ideal food for infants—readily available, cheap, safe, clean, and providing the first form of protection against many common childhood illnesses.
Read Also: Joe Biden honours Olukoya, wife with presidential achievement award
It was noted that the theme for this year’s commemoration, ‘Closing the Gap, Breastfeeding Support for All’ is apt as it emphasizes the collective responsibility of all, to ensure that every mother receives the support she needs to make breastfeeding a successful and fulfilling experience.
The statement reads: “In order to successfully breastfeed their babies, mothers need support from the health system, family members, community members, and workplace.
“This support is critical to the success of breastfeeding because knowledge sharing, encouragement, support with household chores, call-ups, and creation of an enabling environment makes the act of breastfeeding easier for the mother.
‘It is essential that no one is left behind especially vulnerable mothers who may need additional assistance to reduce breastfeeding inequalities.
“Women in all settings need and deserve support to optimally breastfeed their babies.
“Breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients that the child needs for the first six months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.
“It is no doubt that breastfeeding is important both to the mother and the child, a practice that all fathers, family members, and society should support without fail.
“The ministry therefore urges all citizens to support mothers to practice optimal breastfeeding as you join us to celebrate the week and support all mothers to breastfeed as recommended.
“Your support contributes to our nation’s health, economy, and future workforce.”