WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK: EPE GH HIGHLIGHTS BENEFITS OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

As Epe General Hospital joins others across the world to celebrate the Y2024 World Breastfeeding Week, the hospital has emphasised the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life.

Speaking during a brief event jointly organised by the Departments of Nutrition and Dietetics, Infant and Child Welfare, and Pediatrics, the Apex Nurse of the hospital, Mrs. Arolake Azeez said the event is meant to encourage the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.

The Apex Nurse encouraged mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants without introducing water or infant formula for the first six months, adding that complementary foods could be introduced after this period.

“Some mothers express concerns that exclusively breastfed babies might struggle to eat other foods after six months. I advise patience on the gradual introduction of new foods, one at a time, to help the child adjust without overwhelming them, after the exclusive six-month breastfeeding”, Mrs. Azeez said.

Also, Dietitian Oluwaseun Faulkner disclosed that the importance of maintaining a nutritious diet to support the growth and health of children.

While demonstrating the proper breastfeeding postures to be adopted by mothers to ensure babies’ satisfaction and reduce the risk of neck pain for the mothers, Mrs. Faulkner described exclusive breastfeeding as safe, nutritious and cost-effective.

Dr. Olubusayo Babatunde, Consultant Pediatrician and Head of Pediatrics, reiterated the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, highlighting the negative effects of not adhering to the practice in the first six months. She noted that exclusively breastfed children are generally healthier, more active and less prone to infections.

“Additionally, exclusive breastfeeding helps mothers recover more quickly from childbirth, serves as a natural form of family planning, and aids in proper child spacing”, Dr. Babatunde added.

As part of activities commemorating the day, gifts were distributed to all the participating mothers during the event.