Children who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life are 14 times more likely to survive than non-breastfed children.
Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. George Ugwu stated this at the World Breastfeeding Week.
Explaining the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, Ugwu said “it improves a child’s quality of life by supporting cognitive development and health – ultimately helping advance a child’s prospects in life.”
In Nigeria today, where 1 in 8 children do not reach their 5th birthday and 3 in 10 children are stunted, optimal breastfeeding practices are known to reduce neonatal and child morbidity and mortality rates and reduce stunting.
Optimal nutrition provided by breastfeeding, along with nurturing care and stimulation, strengthens a child’s brain development with positive impacts that endure for a lifetime.
To successfully practice exclusive breastfeeding, Sunday Ogbodo, health center nutrition focal person in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu state said “During the antenatal clinic days at the health center, we teach mothers how to exclusively breastfeed and explain the numerous health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to the child and mother, which include giving the child immunity at birth. It is also a way of family planning for mothers who wish to space their children naturally.
“Through support from UNICEF and Ministry of Health in Enugu State, breastfeeding support groups were established to follow-up with nursing mothers, ensuring that optimal breastfeeding continues at home, even when the new mothers are discharged from the clinic,” Ogbodo said.
