Fathers, Care Givers Told to Encourage, Support Exclusive Breastfeeding

July 31, 2014 – The Lagos State Government has called on Nigerians to support and protect every breast feeding mother and encourage every grandparents and parents-in-law including every members of the society to protect and stand up for exclusive breast feeding.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina made the remarks while briefing the press on activities outlined for World Breastfeeding Week, slated for August 1 to 7, 2014.

She noted that World Alliance for Breastfeeding Actions (WABA) has considered that everyone in the world should identify one way or the other, to protect and encourage every breastfeeding mother for an effective and pleasant breastfeeding experience stressing that everybody should be committed to promoting exclusive breastfeeding, adding that during the period, nothing except the mother’s breast milk should be given to the baby.

She explained that health facilities are expected to provide maternal and child survival services, with particular emphasis on the promotion and support for early initiation of breastfeeding within thirty minutes of delivery, exclusive breastfeeding practice, continuous breastfeeding with complementary feeding from 6 months of age to two years and beyond, along with other breastfeeding issues and practices during the week long event.

“During the week long exercise, local government areas and Local council development areas in the State would be visited by representatives of the State Ministry of Health and Primary Health Care Board towards the identification and selection of best LGA or LCDA in nutrition service delivery, particularly as it relates to breastfeeding promotion, support and protection”, Adeshina noted.

She added that the activities of the Community Health & Nutrition (CH&N) Link, which is also known as ‘Malnutrition trackers’ would be assessed for the selection of outstanding CH&N Link while awards for both categories will be presented at the Grand Finale of the weeklong celebration.

“Our traditional grand finale is tentatively scheduled for Thursday 11th September, 2014 during which state Breastfeeding Champions; Male & Female selected from among the 57 LGAs and LCDAs champions will be crowned. The selection criteria of the state Champions will include among others, knowledge of breastfeeding issues with emphases on early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding, and appropriate positioning and attachment to breastfeeding as effectively demonstrated by mothers”, she explained.

She reiterated that breastfeeding, particularly with early initiation; within 30 minutes of delivery and exclusive breastfeeding without water or any other drink is the most ideal infant feeding option for every new born as colostrums; the first milk from the mother is the baby’s first immunization.