Mrs. Rose Nicanor, a mother of two, confidently attributed her four-month-old baby’s healthy appearance to exclusive breastfeeding.
Cradling her baby, she explained that she had not given him even water since birth, and he had not experienced any medical issues.
She noted that her first child had also remained illness-free during infancy due to the same practice.
Likewise, Mrs. Juliana Timothy, another mother, described motherhood as an experience every woman should cherish.
She emphasised that breastmilk boosts a child’s immune system, making them healthier, smarter, and stronger.
Additionally, she credited her husband and workplace for providing the necessary support that enabled her to practice exclusive breastfeeding.
Experts unanimously agree that breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for newborns.
It contains essential fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and a variety of minerals and vitamins, all specifically tailored to meet a baby’s needs.
For instance, an article from Dairy Products and Human Health revealed that breastmilk is a complex mixture comprising 87 percent water, 3.8 percent fat, 1 percent protein, and 7 percent lactose.
Fat and lactose contribute 50 percent and 40 percent of its energy content, respectively.
Importantly, its composition changes over time to meet the evolving needs of a growing child.
In spite of its undeniable benefits, poor access to breastmilk poses serious health risks.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), infants in developing countries who are not breastfed are six times more likely to die in early life.
While in the U.S., only 24.9 percent of infants are exclusively breastfed at six months, even though 83.2 percent start breastfeeding.
In Nigeria, exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low at just 29 percent, contributing to an infant mortality rate of 72.2 per 1,000 live births.
Cultural myths, lack of support, and misinformation continue to hinder breastfeeding practices.
According to UNICEF, overcoming these barriers requires community support and improved workplace policies to save lives.
The 2023 Global Breastfeeding Scorecard showed a 10-percentage-point increase in the rate of exclusive breastfeeding over the past decade, reaching 48 percent.
This progress brings the world closer to the World Health Assembly’s 2025 target of 50 percent.
Notably, Nigeria also recorded an increase of more than 10 percentage points between 2017 and 2023, alongside 21 other countries.
The WHO has repeatedly emphasised the benefits of breastfeeding, describing it as one of the most effective ways to promote child health and survival.
The UN agency stressed that breastmilk is safe, clean, and rich in antibodies that protect against common childhood illnesses.
It meets a baby’s full nutritional requirements for the first six months and continues to provide substantial nourishment beyond that period.
Moreover, WHO research shows that breastfed children tend to perform better on intelligence tests, have a reduced risk of obesity and diabetes, and experience fewer illnesses later in life.
Mothers also benefit, with a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
However, cultural misconceptions and misinformation remain significant obstacles.
For instance, UNICEF’s Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, explained that certain cultural beliefs in Nigeria wrongly depict breastmilk as harmful.
She emphasised the need for accurate information to counter these misconceptions and educate communities on the importance of breastfeeding.
Economic challenges further exacerbate the problem.
Munduate noted that malnourished mothers often doubt their ability to produce healthy milk, which undermines exclusive breastfeeding.
She warned that formula-fed babies are more vulnerable to infections, particularly in a country like Nigeria, where over 25 million people still practice open defecation.
Contaminated water sources, she explained, expose formula-fed infants to diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.
Consequently, she stressed that “with formula feeding, babies are at risk, but breastmilk is sterilised and keeps the child hydrated.”.
Ayodele Gbemileke, Maternal and Newborn Health and Nutrition Lead at Nutrition International Nigeria, has emphasised the significance of colostrum—the first milk produced after birth.
According to Gbemileke, colostrum serves as a natural vaccine by transferring the mother’s immunity to the baby.
She also noted that breastmilk adapts to meet a baby’s hydration and nutritional needs.
“Nature has designed breastmilk to suit the baby’s requirements, becoming more watery when the baby needs hydration and thicker when the baby requires more nutrients.”.
Gbemileke further emphasised the importance of emotional support for new mothers, noting that postpartum depression can negatively impact breastfeeding.
Therefore, she advocated for community support from family members, including grandparents, to guide and assist first-time mothers who may feel overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, Mr. Opeloye Olawale, a father of four and a civil servant, has underscored the role of fathers in supporting breastfeeding.
He explained that he assists his wife by managing household chores and offering financial support, thus encouraging exclusive breastfeeding.
Additionally, Olawale highlighted the importance of workplace policies in enabling breastfeeding mothers to balance their responsibilities.
Furthermore, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, recently called for breastfeeding-friendly spaces in government offices and urged private employers to establish similar facilities.
The Federal Government, he stated, had directed all institutions to provide safe spaces for breastfeeding mothers.
“It is essential that women feel comfortable breastfeeding at work, as this will contribute to building a healthier nation in the long run,” Pate added.
In conclusion, stakeholders emphasise that exclusive breastfeeding is key to lifelong health and resilience.
Achieving universal breastfeeding requires debunking myths, improving maternal nutrition, and fostering supportive environments.
They stress that breastfeeding is a societal responsibility, and with sustained advocacy, the global goal could become a reality, securing a healthier future for millions of children. (NANFeatures)
