Nourishing Nurture: A Handbook for Breastfeeding for Mothers in Nigeria
Breastfeeding offers significant health and developmental benefits for both mothers and babies in Nigeria. This natural, nutrient-rich food provides optimal nutrition, enhances bonding, and reduces the risk of certain diseases for infants[1][2]. For Nigerian mothers, breastfeeding has additional advantages such as lowering the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, aiding postpartum recovery, and strengthening the maternal bond with the child[1][5].
The Power of Colostrum
Colostrum, the early milk produced by the mother, plays a crucial role in protecting babies. Rich in antibodies, colostrum offers immunity against gastrointestinal and environmental pathogens[2]. In a country like Nigeria, where infectious diseases contribute substantially to infant mortality, this immunity boost is vital.
Overcoming Barriers to Breastfeeding
Despite these benefits, Nigerian mothers often face challenges in breastfeeding. Common difficulties include misconceptions about milk sufficiency, improper latching techniques, balancing breastfeeding with work or social demands, and lack of support and education[3]. These challenges can vary between urban and rural settings but are widespread.
Empowering Nigerian Mothers
To overcome these challenges, several strategies can be employed. Education and support, such as attending antenatal and postnatal classes, are essential. Proper latching practice, community and healthcare initiatives, stress management, policy and workplace support, and engaging in open conversations can all contribute to improved breastfeeding rates and outcomes in Nigeria[3][4].
Education and Support
Attending antenatal and postnatal classes, like those organised by NGOs like the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, can equip mothers with knowledge on proper breastfeeding techniques and the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding[4].
Proper Latching Practice
Healthcare providers advise ensuring the baby latches correctly, as a good latch stimulates milk production and reduces infant dissatisfaction[3].
Community and Healthcare Initiatives
Support groups and initiatives promoting exclusive breastfeeding help mothers sustain breastfeeding despite societal or work pressures. WHO and UNICEF recommendations on exclusive breastfeeding for six months remain foundational guidance[3][5].
Stress Management
Breastfeeding helps regulate maternal cortisol levels, reducing stress and postpartum depression, which can encourage continued breastfeeding[2].
Policy and Workplace Support
Advocacy for maternity leave and breastfeeding-friendly workplaces can help mothers overcome time and privacy barriers associated with breastfeeding[3].
In summary, Nigerian mothers benefit greatly from breastfeeding but must often navigate cultural, practical, and informational barriers. Targeted education, community support, correct techniques, and institutional policies are key strategies to improve breastfeeding rates and outcomes in Nigeria.
[1] World Health Organization. (2020). Benefits of breastfeeding. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/benefits-of-breastfeeding
[2] UNICEF. (2020). The many benefits of breastfeeding. https://www.unicef.org/nutrition/breastfeeding_many_benefits.html
[3] UNICEF. (2018). Nigeria: Breastfeeding practices and challenges. https://www.unicef.org/reports/state-of-the-worlds-children-2018/country/nigeria
[4] Wellbeing Foundation Africa. (2020). Breastfeeding. https://wellbeingfoundationafrica.org/programmes/breastfeeding/
[5] World Health Organization. (2020). Exclusive breastfeeding. https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/exclusive-breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding offers significant health and developmental benefits for infants in Nigeria, providing optimal nutrition, enhancing bonding, and reducing the risk of certain diseases.
- Colostrum, the early milk produced by the mother, plays a crucial role in protecting babies, offering immunity against gastrointestinal and environmental pathogens in countries like Nigeria.
- Despite these benefits, Nigerian mothers often face challenges in breastfeeding due to misconceptions about milk sufficiency, improper latching techniques, balancing breastfeeding with work or social demands, and lack of support and education.
- To overcome these challenges, strategies such as attending antenatal and postnatal classes, proper latching practice, community and healthcare initiatives, stress management, policy and workplace support, and engaging in open conversations can all contribute to improved breastfeeding rates and outcomes in Nigeria.
- Education and support, like those provided by NGOs such as the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, can equip mothers with knowledge on proper breastfeeding techniques and the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
- Healthcare providers advise ensuring the baby latches correctly, as a good latch stimulates milk production and reduces infant dissatisfaction.
- Support groups and initiatives promoting exclusive breastfeeding, along with WHO and UNICEF recommendations, help mothers sustain breastfeeding despite societal or work pressures, thereby ensuring good health and wellness for both moms and kids, and contributing to the overall improvement of women's health.
