By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
Every year, from August 1st to 7th, World Breastfeeding Week is commemorated globally to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and to promote environments that support nursing mothers. This year’s theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” underscores the urgent need to build lasting support structures that empower women to breastfeed effectively.
In Nigeria and many parts of the world, exclusive breastfeeding defined as feeding an infant only breast milk for the first six months of life, except in cases where medications are medically indicated, remains a public health challenge.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exclusive breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure a child’s health and survival. Yet, fewer than half of infants under six months old are exclusively breastfed.
After the initial six months, experts recommend continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for up to two years to meet a child’s evolving nutritional needs.
Dr. Funmi Adio, of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, emphasised that exclusive breastfeeding offers vital nutrients and antibodies that protect infants from infections and diseases, it supports infants brain development, leading to cognitive abilities.
“Breastfeeding should begin within the first hour of birth,” Dr. Adio noted, explaining that colostrum, the first form of milk produced by the mother contains essential immune factors that protect against infections.
“Babies do not need water or herbal mixtures. Breastmilk is 90% water and contains everything a baby needs in the first six months,” she stressed.
Dr. Adio further highlighted that breastfeeding strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby and also beneficial to mothers, because it stimulates the release of hormones that help the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size, and prevents certain diseases.
“Breastfeeding helps mothers to lower the risk of developing diabetes, postpartum depression, breast and ovarian cancer, and in some cases, can act as a natural method of family planning”, she noted.
She described breast milk as a cost-effective and natural source of nourishment because It is readily available, requires no preparation, and eases the financial burden on families, particularly in low-income settings.
Bola Abiola, a mother of two in Lagos state said she only practiced exclusive breastfeeding for three months because she had to resume work.
Agnes Iwara said she couldn’t practice exclusive breastfeeding due to low lactation and also had to resume her business within two months after delivery.
But Fatimoh Adeleke said she breastfed her child exclusively because her mother had told her about the numerous benefits. She explained that it wasn’t easy but she strived to fed her baby breastmilk alone in the first six months of life.
Dr. Adio attributed this trend to weak support systems in homes, workplaces, and healthcare settings.
“Many women want to breastfeed exclusively, but they are limited by their environment. We must create enabling environments at home and in the workplace,” she said. “Support from husbands, employers, and communities is crucial to improve breastfeeding rates.”
The need for systemic support is echoed in the WHO’s broader campaign, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” which calls for better access to skilled counselling, enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, and expansion of maternity protections, including paid leave.
According to the latest National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2023-24), the rate of early breastfeeding initiation has declined from 42% in 2018 to 36% in 2023. Exclusive breastfeeding rates have stagnated at 29%, and only 23% of babies are breastfed up to the recommended two years. Alarmingly, only 12 of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory currently offer paid maternity leave of up to six months.
Our reporter spoke with Olalere Adeagbo and Charles Emordi who are fathers of four and two respectively, to know how they supported their wives each time they gave birth. According to them, they assisted in the house chores right from when they were pregnant till some months after delivery. They both highlighted the importance of shared responsibilities during pregnancy and early childcare.
Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF ), Nigeria Country Representative, reiterated that “breast milk is central to child survival and development.”He called on governments, workplaces, and communities to build systems that provide mothers with the resources and encouragement they need to breastfeed.
As stakeholders mark World Breastfeeding Week, the message is clear: breastfeeding is not just a maternal duty, it is a shared societal responsibility.
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