UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has praised Nigerian mothers for their commitment to breastfeeding, with over 90% of them practicing it. However, despite this high rate of breastfeeding initiation, the exclusive breastfeeding rate in Nigeria remains a concern, stagnating at just 29%. This means that many mothers stop breastfeeding their babies exclusively after a few months, contrary to the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
The rate of early initiation of breastfeeding has actually declined from 42% in 2018 to 36% in 2023. This decline is a worrying trend, as early initiation of breastfeeding is crucial for the health and well-being of both mothers and babies. Breast milk provides complete nutrition for infants, strengthens their immune systems, and supports cognitive development. For mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of certain cancers and Type 2 diabetes.
One major challenge facing breastfeeding mothers in Nigeria is the limited maternity leave offered by most states. Only 12 out of Nigeria’s 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, offer paid maternity leave for up to six months. This makes it challenging for working mothers to continue breastfeeding, as they are often forced to return to work before their babies are six months old.
UNICEF is calling on the government to extend paid maternity leave to six months across all states in Nigeria. This would enable mothers to care for their babies and continue breastfeeding without the pressure of having to return to work too soon. Additionally, UNICEF is urging the government to create lactation-friendly work environments and provide health workers with adequate training to support breastfeeding mothers.
Public awareness campaigns are also needed to promote the benefits of breastfeeding and provide sustainable support systems for mothers. By working together, Nigeria can improve exclusive breastfeeding rates and promote the health and well-being of both mothers and babies. This would have a positive impact on the country’s development, as healthy children are more likely to grow into healthy, productive adults.
In conclusion, while Nigerian mothers have shown a strong commitment to breastfeeding, more needs to be done to support them in continuing this practice exclusively for the first six months. By addressing the challenges facing breastfeeding mothers and implementing supportive policies, Nigeria can promote the health and well-being of its future generations.
