WBW: Gombe mothers harp importance of breastfeeding as Wife of Gov advocates ways to tackle gaps

Some Gombe mothers, including Hauwa Umar, Blessing Michael, Hauwa Abubakar Yuguda, and Fatima Jalo, have shared testimonies on their experiences, emphasizing the importance of exclusively breastfeeding infants from 0 to six months.

The women gave these stark testimonies at the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week flag-off and World Breastfeeding record attempt, organised by the Gombe Ministry of Health, Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the event had the theme: ‘Closing the gap, Break the record, break barriers: Breastfeeding support for all’, held on Thursday August 2, 2024, at Custodian Hotel’.

The World Breastfeeding Week was established in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action to address issues relating to poor early initiation of breastfeeding (within one hour of birth),

Umar encouraged mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants, citing the numerous benefits she has observed in her own child’s health and development.

She said, “Exclusive breastfeeding has prevented minor sicknesses and strengthened her child’s immune system.”

Umar called on her fellow breastfeeding mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants for six months, “sicknesses will not come near him because the breast milk is preventing it from penetrating to the child’s body and the child is always healthy and strong. Even people will comment on the child because of how strong and healthy he will be compared to other infants that are not breastfed. My child is just six months old and when ever i drop him he will start crawling or try to look for support that will make him stand to his feet. If your child is healthy you are also healthy and if your child is not healthy then you are not healthy as well.”

Also, Yuguda highlighted the difference it has made in her children’s health and growth. She noted that her first child, who was not exclusively breastfed, fell sick frequently, whereas her other children, who were exclusively breastfed, have been healthier and stronger.

She added, “Exclusive breastfeeding is crucial, even for working-class mothers, and if you try it, you will testify to its benefits.”

Michael noted that exclusive breastfeeding has numerous advantages, including boosting the child’s immune system preventing minor sicknesses,
promoting healthy growth and development reducing the need for medication, strengthening the bond between mother and child.

She urged fellow mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding, even in cases of Cesarean section, to ensure the best possible start for their children.

“I’m encouraging mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants right from 0 to six months and I also see so many benefits at times even if I end up giving the infant water at the end of six months he was trying to reject it simply because he knows the breast milk is sweeter than the water so I can say that it has great benefits. Since I gave birth to my child, I’ve not admitted him to the hospital; his immune system is strong because of exclusive breastfeeding,” Michael added.

On her part, Jalo, while encouraging mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding, said, “From my second born, I began exclusive breastfeeding. Even if you are a working-class mother, there are ways you should feed your child for six months exclusively. I’ve seen the importance of breastfeeding exclusively because my first child fell sick almost every time, but from my second born, when I got the knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding. I saw the importance and the advantage of it. Even from their abilities and growths, there’s a difference. Their health is different, and I stop buying medicine necessarily truly. I’m happy about it.”

She added, “This baby you are seeing here is four months old but look at how healthy she is, this is because i exclusively breastfed her. Even if you gave birth through cesarian section you should try and make sure you feed your child with breast milk. For an example all my child birth are through Cesarean section even before i regain consciousness my siblings will make sure they put the baby on my breast to suck it.”

Wife of Gombe State Governor, Asma’u Yahaya, who was represented by Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Asma’u Iganus, noted that in closing the noticed gaps impeding exclusive breastfeeding there was need to address economic challenges, workplace accommodations.

Yahaya said, “However, the reality is that not all mothers and infants have equal access to the support they need to successfully breastfeed. Significant gaps exist, whether they be socio-economic, geographical, or educational. These disparities hinder our progress and leave many families behind. Closing these gaps is not just an aspiration; it is a necessity for a fairer, healthier world.”

Speaking further she added, “Workplace Accommodations: For many mothers, returning to work can be a significant barrier to continued breastfeeding. We must advocate for policies that support breastfeeding in the workplace, including paid maternity leave, flexible working hours, and designated lactation spaces. Employers who prioritise these accommodations will not only support their employees but also benefit from increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.

“Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities: We must recognise and address the socio-economic factors that can impede breastfeeding. Families in low-income areas may face additional challenges, including a lack of access to healthcare and breastfeeding resources. Targeted interventions and support programs are essential to ensure that every mother has the opportunity to breastfeed, regardless of her economic situation.”

Also, speaking Commissioner for Health Dr Habu Dahiru, noted that a breastfed child is likely to have an improved immunity, better protein content and carbohydrates, water minerals and so many others that the child needs.

He said, “Breast is the best food for a child and while breastfeeding might not be seen as the right choice for every family for the baby it is the best choice. We save about 820,000 children when we exclusively breastfeed.”

While harping on the need for increased sensitisation, Dahiru added, “Government needs to organisee health talk especially during antenatal, prenatal and postnatal to ensure we maintain and sustain breastfeeding culture in the community.”