NAWOJ hits the streets for breastfeeding campaign

August 3, 2015 – Lagos State chapter of National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) today embarked on a campaign to sensitise Nigerians on the importance of breastfeeding as part of activities to mark breastfeeding week.

The women who were led by Chairman of Lagos State chapter, Mrs. Dupe Olaoye,  embarked on long trek from Ikeja Local Government to the Lagos State secretariat, distributing flyers on the importance of the day.

Speaking on the development, Olaoye said breastfeeding is very important for mothers adding that it is in recognition of this fact that the Lagos State Government extended maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers to six months for the first two children and 10 days paternity leave for men whose wives are breastfeeding.

She said that the first thick yellow milk after childbirth, called colostrum is very nutritious and contains substance that helps to fight infection.

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She added that breastfeeding supplies all necessary nutrients needed for the baby’s growth in the first six months and that it protects baby from infection and illness.

Besides, she argued that breastfeeding keeps the baby well hydrated during illness, promotes proper teeth formation in the baby, promotes baby’s mental and speech development,  promotes emotional bonding between baby and mother, protects mothers from risks of breast and ovarian cancer and that it is affordable and readily available.