Babies who are not breastfed are 14 times more likely to die before their first birthday compared to babies who are exclusively breastfed, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Dr Tushar Rane, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Nigeria Bauchi Field Office, delivered this crucial message during the Media Dialogue on World Breastfeeding Week, emphasizing the significance of breastfeeding in safeguarding infants against life-threatening infections and promoting optimal brain development.
Breastmilk plays a vital role in the overall health and well-being of children, especially in their first 1,000 days. It serves as their first vaccine, providing essential nutrients and protective antibodies. Additionally, breastfeeding has long-term benefits, contributing to lower healthcare costs and supporting human capital development.
To highlight the importance of breastfeeding for children, mothers, and socio-economic development, World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually. This year’s focus is workplace breastfeeding, shedding light on the challenges faced by working mothers. In Nigeria, out of the 46 million workforce, 20 million are women, with 95% employed in the informal sector. Shockingly, only 9% of organizations have a workplace breastfeeding policy, and support for breastfeeding in the informal sector is virtually non-existent.
Workplace challenges heavily influence the duration of breastfeeding, often leading to early cessation. Juggling between tasks and breastfeeding becomes a daunting task for working mothers. While the Nigerian Labor Act provides up to 12 weeks of maternity leave with 50% salary, along with half-hour breaks twice a day to breastfeed upon returning to work, these provisions may not be sufficient.
To address this issue, the government and employers need to provide adequate assistance to mothers and caregivers, including those in the informal sector or on temporary contracts. Policies that promote breastfeeding, such as six months of paid maternity leave, paid paternity leave, flexible return-to-work options, regular lactation breaks, and appropriate breastfeeding facilities, are essential.
By implementing these measures, the goal is to enable mothers to continue exclusive breastfeeding for six months, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Apart from the numerous health benefits for both the child and mother, breastfeeding also contributes to better socio-economic outcomes and a healthier society as a whole.
It is crucial for society to prioritize and support breastfeeding, recognizing it as a cornerstone for the well-being and development of infants. The impact of breastfeeding goes far beyond the individual level, benefiting communities and nations as a whole. Governments, employers, and individuals must work together to create an environment that encourages and facilitates breastfeeding, promoting healthier futures for our children and societies.
In conclusion, the UNICEF’s assertion regarding the life-saving effects of breastfeeding underscores the urgent need to prioritize and support breastfeeding practices globally. By providing adequate support and implementing crucial policies, we can ensure a healthier and brighter future for our children, with significant benefits for their overall well-being, brain development, and economic potential.
