By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
In a bid to checkmate the rising cases of infant and child malnutrition, the Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation, ENWAF, has advised nursing mothers to prioritize exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months.
Chief Executive Officer, CEO of ENWAF, Lady Eunice Nnachi gave the advice during a sensitization campaign in some communities in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area of Bayelsa State.
Lady Nnachi noted that exclusive breastfeeding must be undertaken from the first hour of birth up to six months of life and sustained for up to two years of age, just as complimentary feeding must commence from six months of age for optimal growth and development.
“Breastfeeding prevents hunger and malnutrition in all its forms and ensures food security for babies. Breast milk is readily available, pure, safe and in the right mixture that is adequate for babies”, she said.
The ENWAF CEO explained that exclusive breastfeeding protects babies from severe complications arising from gastro-enteritis, pneumonia and other childhood killer diseases, pointing out that about 60% of under-five mortalities are largely due to malnutrition caused by poor breastfeeding practices and inadequate complementary feeding.
She also tasked nursing and breastfeeding mothers to adopt proper positioning and attachment of the child when breastfeeding to allow for comfortability and prevent irritability.
“I want to encourage our nursing and breastfeeding mothers to always bring the baby to the breast and let them latch themselves. It is a common practice to lean the breast forward into the baby’s mouth; this is wrong and should be avoided, as this can lead to poor attachment.
“Your baby needs to get a big mouthful of breast. Placing your baby with their nose level with your nipple will encourage them to open their mouth wide and attach to the breast well”, she said.
The women appreciated ENWAF for educating and enlightening them on exclusive breastfeeding.