By Chioma Ohanaeche
Health Experts have called on the federal government and employers of Labour to extend the maternity leave for nursing mothers to six months to enable them to raise healthier babies.
A Consultant Neonatologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Dr Ehinor Odigie made the call at a seminar to mark this year’s World Breastfeeding Week organized by the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin.
She regretted that despite the World Health Assembly’s global nutrition targets, the exclusive breastfeeding rate in Nigeria remained low.
The Consultant Neonatologist stressed that improving breastfeeding practices could save the lives of children.
Dr. Odigie emphasized that breast milk was safe, affordable, readily available and designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants.
On the sub theme; “Prioritizing Breastfeeding: It’s Challenges and support for mothers, Dr. Odigie called for a strong support system by family members to ensure that nursing mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for six months and provide optimal breastfeeding for two years alongside complementary feeding.
Dr Odigie highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding to mothers and infants to include reduction of postpartum depression, prevention of breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes, hypertension, protection of babies against infections, prevention of sudden infant death, allergies, obesity and improved cognitive development.
On her part, The Director, Institute of Child Health, Professor Ayebo Sadoh expressed worry that many Hospitals do not implement the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative as recommended by WHO, and called for its implementation and regular training of healthcare workers.
Represented by another Director in the Institute, Dr. Paul Ikhurionan , Professor Sadoh promised that the institute would push for the implementation of six months maternity leave in the University of Benin.
Also speaking, the Director of Nursing Services, Mrs Grace Arheghan called for proper funding to mark the world’s breastfeeding week so as to create massive awareness on the importance of breastfeeding.
On her part, the Chief nutritionist officer in Edo state primary health care development agency, Mrs Amenze Nekpen said the ministry carried out sensitisation programs in all primary health centres in the state as health care workers and mothers were sensitized on the benefits of breastfeeding.
The event was chaired by the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Professor Adebola Ehizele who promised to convey the suggestions made at the seminar to the chief medical director for implementation.
The seminar brought together healthcare professionals, academics, students, media practitioners, and other stakeholders who were charged to be advocates of breastfeeding to dispel myths and misinformation associated with breastfeeding.
World Breastfeeding Week is marked annually from August 1 to 7.
