Health experts unanimously agree that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life provides babies with the best possible start, supporting brain development and immunity against various diseases.
A pediatrician, Dr Kester affirms, “Breast milk is the perfect food for babies under six months as It contains all the nutrients an infant needs in the right proportions and is easily digestible.”
Recent studies have also revealed an additional benefit for mothers: reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week ( August 1 -7) theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” aims to raise awareness about the comprehensive support women need to successfully practice exclusive breastfeeding.
The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018 painted a concerning picture, indicating that only 29% of Nigerian mothers exclusively breastfed their infants for the recommended six months.
But the World Health Organization (WHO) reports a 10% global increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates by the end of 2023.
The importance of exclusive breastfeeding cannot be overstated. Numerous studies confirm that breast milk antibodies protect babies against illness and death, while also reducing the risk of certain cancers and non-communicable diseases in mothers.
Nurse Oluyemisi Sogbesan, who breastfed her child for over six months, shares her experience: “I had great joy breastfeeding my child and I did for Upto 18months. It is cost effective as you don’t need to buy anything, warm water or feed the babies with possibly contaminated objects.
She adds, “as a nurse, I know that a child that is well breastfed would be smart, healthy and sharp.”
Her colleague, Mrs. Adebisi Oladipo adds, “I practiced exclusive breastfeeding for six months and it ensures that the baby gets the right nutrients in the right measure.”
Obstacles to Practicing Exclusive Breastfeeding
This year’s theme spotlights the challenges preventing women, especially in Nigeria, from breastfeeding for the full six months. These obstacles include:
1. Widespread misconceptions about breastfeeding
2. Lack of accurate information and support
3. Non-conducive work environments
4. Aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes
5. Cultural beliefs that discourage exclusive breastfeeding
Both Oluyemisi and Adebisi acknowledge government efforts to address these challenges but stress that private establishments and families must share a crucial role in supporting breastfeeding mothers.
“Employers, especially private establishments need to provide adequate maternity leave of Upto six months, flexible work hours for nursing mothers, and dedicated rooms where they can feed the child,” urges Mrs. Sogbesan. “In these difficult times, families must offer support physically and in kind as well as emotional support.”
The WHO has set an ambitious target of achieving 50% global exclusive breastfeeding for six months by 2025.
Dr Kester explains “If we can provide proper support to mothers, we could save over 820,000 babies’ lives worldwide annually and mitigates concerns around infant mortality.”
