By Blessing Odega
The wife of the gov. of Plateau, Mrs Helen Mutfwang, says the state has recorded a rise in the indices of exclusive breastfeeding from 19 per cent to 38 per cent .
Mutfuang, said this on Tuesday in Jos, at the commemoration of the World Breastfeeding week with the theme entitled ” Enabling Breastfeeding, making a difference for working parents “.
She said despite a rise in the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the state, there is much work to be done to improve the indices due to the immense benefit of breastfeeding to both baby and mother.
” We must intensify efforts to promote early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for infants aged 0-6 months.
“This is more critical when we consider the poor nutrition indices still prevalent in our state”, she said.
She said research has shown that breastfeeding reduces the risk of various infections such as ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and gastrointestinal disorders in infants.
She further said , breastfed children were at a lower risk of developing chronic diseases later in life, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and asthma. The benefits of breastfeeding extend into adulthood, providing long-lasting advantages.
“Breastfeeding is also beneficial for mothers. It reduces the risk of certain cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer and promotes postpartum weight loss.
“The act of breastfeeding burns calories and helps the uterus contract back to its pre-pregnancy size, aiding in maternal recovery.
“Furthermore, optimal breastfeeding positively impacts the national economy by lowering healthcare costs and cultivating a smarter, healthier workforce.” She said.
According to her, the state government in line with the theme of this year’s world Breastfeeding week, has constructed a creche at the Ministry of Budget and Planning which would soon be operational to support lactating mothers to continuing breastfeeding when the resume work at the end of their maternity leave.
She called on stakeholders from both the formal and informal sector to provide a conducive environment such as lactating rooms and nursing breaks to enable working mothers breastfeed their babies .
“We all must join hands with the government to create an enabling environment that supports women in providing the best care for their infants,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor’s wife awarded three mothers who had well breastfed babies at the Jos South Primary health center in Bukuru with both baby items and cash prices as a means of encouraging other mothers. NAN
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