By William A. Baruwa
For generations, breastfeeding was an integral part of child-rearing in many African communities. New mothers devoted considerable time and attention to nursing their babies, providing them with breast milk as their primary source of nourishment during the early months of life. Although these traditional practices were not based on modern scientific knowledge, they reflected an understanding of the importance of breastfeeding that has since been strongly supported by medical research.
Today, scientific evidence confirms that breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to support an infant’s health and development. Breast milk is naturally formulated to provide babies with essential nutrients and protective factors needed during the early stages of life. It is also readily available, hygienic and economical, making breastfeeding a practical choice for many families.
The Benefits of Breast Milk
Breastfeeding provides important nutritional and immune benefits for babies. Breast milk contains a combination of nutrients and bioactive components that support growth and help protect infants against infections.
Research has associated breastfeeding with a lower risk of several childhood illnesses, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. It also supports healthy development and may contribute to positive long-term health outcomes.
For mothers, breastfeeding offers benefits as well. It can help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size after childbirth and is associated with reduced risks of certain health conditions later in life.
The Importance of Exclusive Breastfeeding
Health authorities, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), recommend that mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life when possible. This means providing breast milk without other foods or liquids, including infant formula, except when medically indicated.
A health expert, Dr Banji Ajaka, commended mothers who are dedicated to achieving six-month exclusive breastfeeding as well as those who continue to breastfeed their babies for up to two years. She stated that, “WHO’s initiatives, including awareness campaigns and educational programmes, have been instrumental in encouraging mothers to adopt exclusive breastfeeding, significantly improving the health outcomes of mothers and infants (in Nigeria).”
Complementary foods can generally be introduced from around six months, while breastfeeding can continue alongside appropriate complementary feeding for two years or beyond, according to the needs of the mother and child.
Despite these recommendations, many mothers stop exclusive breastfeeding earlier than advised. Returning to work, limited maternity leave, inadequate support, cultural pressures, misinformation and difficulties with breastfeeding can all contribute to early discontinuation.
Supporting Mothers to Breastfeed
Promoting breastfeeding should not be the responsibility of mothers alone. Families, healthcare professionals, employers and governments all have important roles to play.
New mothers and their partners need accurate information and practical support before and after delivery. Healthcare workers can help mothers overcome common breastfeeding difficulties, while employers can support breastfeeding by providing adequate maternity leave, appropriate breaks and suitable spaces for expressing and storing breast milk.
There is also a need to challenge the perception that breastfeeding is incompatible with professional or urban lifestyles. A mother’s decision to breastfeed should be supported regardless of her educational, economic or social background.
Breastfeeding Benefits Mothers Too
The advantages of breastfeeding extend beyond the baby. Research has linked breastfeeding with several maternal health benefits, including a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers and type2 diabetes. It also promotes bonding between mother and child and can provide emotional benefits during the postpartum period.
Breastfeeding should therefore be viewed not simply as a method of feeding an infant, but as an important component of maternal and child health.
Creating a Breastfeeding-Friendly Environment
Healthcare facilities can also make a significant difference. Practices that keep mothers and babies together after delivery, commonly known as “rooming-in”, can make it easier for mothers to initiate breastfeeding and respond to their babies’ feeding cues.
Hospitals and maternity facilities should provide mothers with evidence-based breastfeeding guidance and avoid unnecessary practices that interfere with early breastfeeding.
Ultimately, improving breastfeeding rates requires more than simply telling mothers to breastfeed. Women need the knowledge, confidence, time and practical support to do so successfully.
Breastfeeding is a natural beginning to life, but successful breastfeeding often depends on the environment surrounding the mother. By supporting mothers at home, in healthcare facilities and in the workplace, society can give more babies the opportunity to receive the nutritional and protective benefits of breast milk while helping mothers enjoy the health benefits of breastfeeding themselves.
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