Talatu Maiwada
Abuja – The National Association of Nigeria Paediatric Nurses on Friday said that exclusive breast-feeding plays a role in enchancing the connection between a mother and child after delivery.
Mrs Olubunmi Aiyedun, National president of the association said this while fielding questions at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja in commemoration of the 2017 World Breastfeeding Week.
According to her, breast-feeding contributes significantly in the well-being of children from an early stage of life.
Aiyedun said breast milk contains 90 per cent of water with other nutrients that helps in the development of the child, adding that nursing mothers should breastfeed between eight to 12 times a day.
She said that mothers should also breast-feed the child for 15 minutes on each breast to ensure each breast is empty.
Cue in audio
“A mother, weather first class, second class or third class it does not matter, and that is why breastfeeding has placed that equal opportunity for every child to develop well.
“A child that is well breastfed; a child that you are not ashamed of, will not be ashamed of you in future.
“A child that you exclusively breast-fed will not carry knife and chase you in future, will not have the guts to carry a gun to kill.
“When a woman breast-feeds her child adequately, you pass out that passion, that human feeling from you to the child and that child grows up to be an ambassador.
“No matter your class, you should be proud to feed your baby anywhere and anytime.
Cue out audio
According to Aiyedun, a child that is well breast-fed would not only be alive, but also strive to fulfil his or her potentials.
She noted that Nigeria was predominantly a breastfeeding nation with 97 per cent compliance.
Aiyedun, however, added that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding is very low with only 25 per cent achievement in 2014.
She said that all stakeholders must pool resources to achieve the target of 50 per cent exclusive breastfeeding in 2018.
Aiyedun further advised nursing mothers to rest well, treat any infection in their bodies and eat food that are rich in nutrients.
According to her, mothers should breast-feed exclusively for six months, thereafter continue with complementary feeding and sustain breast-feeding for two years for the well-being of the child.
The annual World Breastfeeding Week is scheduled to hold from Aug. 1 to Aug. 7 with the theme `Sustaining Breastfeeding Together’.
Aiyedun said the celebration was to create awareness and promote a comprehensive breast-feeding culture worldwide by providing the necessary support mothers need to imbibe exclusive breast-feeding. (NAN)