Why Nigeria Need To Rev Up Awareness On Breastfeeding

There is no denying the fact that not few Nigerians, particularly mothers, were unaware that the 2022 World Breastfeeding Week that commenced from August 1 to 7, 2022 was meant to remind them that everyone has a roleto play in protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding. Without doubt, this year’s theme highlights the links between breastfeeding and good nutrition, food security and inequality. Unfortunately, many Nigerians, particularly women, were unaware of the event that was meant to enlighten them on the need to promote breastfeeding culture, particularly as there are a lot of nutritious values that are inherent in the culture.

As celebrated globally, the World Breastfeeding Week 2022 year’s theme, “Step up for Breastfeeding”, seeks to involve governments, communities and individuals. The theme aims to raise awareness about sustainable breastfeeding environments. The message, no doubt, highlights the fact that “we should not underestimate the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies.”

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to ask, “What then is the Importance of breastfeeding? The answer to the foregoing question, no doubt, cannot be farfetched as breastfeeding provides a baby with all needed nutrition for his or her first 6 months and influences lifelong health for both Mum and her bubby. Not only that, breastfeeding is a sustainable and natural option for infant feeding and helps ensure food security for babies across all populations.

As gathered from health related news websites, ‘breastfeeding sets up a babies’ immune system. It decreases their risk of many illnesses and decreases a mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer later in life.’ Even if you are not able to breastfeed your baby, you can still give expressed or donor breastmilk to ensure a strong nutritional start to life.

In fact, breastfeeding is the natural first food for babies, but it can be challenging, and everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different. It is a woman’s right to breastfeed in public so let's work together to create a supportive environment and Step Up for Breastfeeding.

As gathered from an informative article, titled, “Benefits of breastfeeding are well established”, “authored by Brian Lynch, a staff of Mayo Clinic, who specializes in Pediatric medicine, “Breastfeeding is the recommended way to feed a newborn. Breastfeeding is strongly supported by medical professional organizations because of its known direct benefits to the infant's nutrition, gastrointestinal function, host defense, and socio-emotional development.” Depending on the circumstances, however, various factors might lead you to consider formula-feeding.

On how long should a nursing mother breastfeed her baby, he wrote, “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth, and breastfeeding in combination with solid foods until at least age 1. Extended breastfeeding is recommended as long as you and your baby wish to continue, and he additionally explained that breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients for your baby and boosts your baby's immune system, and that it is considered to be the gold standard for infant nutrition.

He added, “Breastfeeding is associated with small improvements in neurodevelopmental outcomes in children," and that "Breastfeeding is also associated with a reduction in acute infections as well as chronic adul t conditions like obesity, cancer, heart disease and allergies.”

In answering the question, “Is any additional nutrition necessary?” he commented, “Ask your baby's health care provider about vitamin D supplements for the baby, especially if you're exclusively breastfeeding. Breast milk might not provide enough vitamin D, which helps your baby absorb calcium and phosphorus, nutrients necessary for strong bones.

In a similar vein, on what can be done to promote successful breastfeeding, he commented in his explicitwrite-up thus, “Taking care of yourself can go a long way toward promoting successful breastfeeding. Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of fluids and rest as much as possible.

He explained, “To boost your confidence, learn as much as you can about breastfeeding. Keep the environment calm and relax. Look to your partner and other loved ones for support. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Friends who have successfully breastfed might be a good source of information. Lactation consultants are available at many hospitals and clinics. Your baby's health care provider might be able to help, too”.

Still in the same vein, on “What if breastfeeding isn't going well?” He commented that “If you're struggling, ask a lactation consultant or your baby's health care provider for help. If your baby's health care provider is concerned that your baby isn't receiving adequate nutrition or hydration, he or she might suggest pumping and supplementing with expressed breast milk or formula.

He further explained, “Breast milk is the ideal food for babies, and the best way to keep a baby healthy, butproper nutrition and hydration are absolutely essential for your baby.

“Does infant formula pose any risks to a baby?” he wrotethat “Commercial infant formulas don't contain the immunity-boosting elements of breast milk. For most babies, breast milk is also easier to digest than formula. When prepared as directed, however, infant formula supports healthy babies who have typical dietary needs. A baby who has special nutritional needs might require a special formula.”

On whether breastfeeding can be combined with formula-feeding, he commented, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months after birth. A diet of breast milk only provides the best nutrition. Formula supplementation can disrupt breastfeeding as well as affect milk supply. However, some mothers are able to combine breastfeeding and formula-feeding, especiallyafter breastfeeding has been well-established.

Also, on if a mother choose not to breastfeed, how should the resulting emotions be handled, he said “If you're considering formula-feeding, do your research so that you can make an informed decision. Then, focus on nourishing and nurturing your baby, instead of dwelling on negative emotions. You might also share your feelings with your health care provider, your baby's provider or others in your support circle.

Not only reeling out the importance of breastfeeding to mother and child, he counselled, “Remember, parenting is an adventure that requires choices and compromises. What counts is doing the best you can as you face this new challenge”.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to call on the leadership of the federal ministry of health to partner the National Orientation Agency (NOA) so as to visit various communities to educate mothers and young girls of reproductive age on the importance of breastfeeding.

Sandra Ijeoma Okoye (Author)
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