Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has called on nursing mothers to see breastfeeding not just as a personal decision but as a priority.
She however urged them to maintain the first Six months exclusive breastfeeding for their babies.
Mrs Makinde who was represented by the Commissioner for health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi made the call in commemoration of this year’s World breastfeeding Week with the theme: Invest in Breastfeeding; Invest in the Future.
Mrs Makinde who reiterated the importance of breastfeeding a baby in the early stage of a child’s life noted that breastfeeding is the baby’s first source of nutrition and immunity.
“Breast milk is the baby’s first vaccine, packed with antibodies that protect babies against common childhood illnesses.
“Breastfeeding promotes emotional bonding between the mother and her baby.
“Breastfeeding is also beneficial for mothers because it reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers as well as excessive bleeding after giving birth”
The governor’s wife also expressed concern over the challenges facing nursing mothers, particularly the lack of support at home and in the workplace.
She emphasized the need for collective responsibility to create a breastfeeding-friendly environment.
Earlier in his remarks, The Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji explained that breastfeeding is imperative in the growth of babies noting that a child’s brain develops well if such a child is being breast fed in the first one thousand day of life.
He debunked the rumour that regular breastfeeding made the breast of mother’s to sag and urged nursing mothers to prioritize the health of their children.
World breastfeeding Week is usually celebrated globally from August 1 to 7 to raise awareness on issues surrounding breastfeeding, nutrition, and maternal health.
