REPORTER: EMEFIENA OKONKWO
Some lactating mothers, have appealed to the organized private sector to create enabling environment and policies that would encourage them to exclusively breastfeed their babies.
The lactating mothers, Mrs Maureen Nwachukwu and Mrs Amauchechukwu Anumba who spoke with Correspondent Emefiena Okonkwo at Abakpa Health Centre, Enugu,Enugu State noted that though they had embraced exclusive breastfeeding for their babies, the daily tasks of their jobs make it very challenging for them.
To this end they called for more sensitization of the organized private sector to approve Maternity and paternity leave for them just as their counterparts in the state and Federal civil service enjoy.
These lactating mothers attested to the inherent benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to include the physical and cognitive development of the babies.
Also, some Medical Professionals and Nutritionists also highlighted the critical importance of breastfeeding, for the healthy growth and cognitive development of babies.
These Medical Professionals and Nutritionists including the Health Extention Worker, Abakpa Health Centre, Enugu, Mrs Gift Okolo, Mrs Ginikachukwu Madu and Mrs Stella Ani of Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency emphasized that breastfeeding provides the babies with strong nutrition and immunity, for healthy growth and development.
They encouraged pregnant mothers to introduce their infants to exclusive breastfeeding immediately they were born for their survival, protection from diseases and for their development.
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every first to seventh August,with annual themes including healthcare systems, women and work.
Since 2016, World Breastfeeding Week is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week’s theme is, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life:Strengthen what works”.
