As part of efforts to promote the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers, the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board has put up a symposium to create more awareness on the significance and derivable benefits of the practice.

          The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, who spoke at the symposium organised in commemoration of the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week with the theme, "Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents", said it is the responsibility of all and sundry to be involved in the campaign, for the healthy growth and development of infants.

          Dr. Ogunsola noted that early initiation provides every child with the best possible start in life to deliver health, nutritional and emotional benefits, as it also facilitates emotional bonding between mother and child.

          He stated that, ‘’the practice of exclusive breastfeeding by nursing mothers guarantees adequate nourishment needed for the well-being of infants, boosts their immunity against diseases and reduces child mortality’’.

          The medical expert, therefore, urged nurses and nutrition officers at various health care centers to always educate expectant mothers on the importance of breastfeeding and how it could reduce the risk of breast cancer in them.

          Speaking, facilitators at the event, Mrs. Adesoji Oluwatomi and Mrs. Abosede Ogunsanya, said it was essential for every child to have access to exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, after which nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods should follow.

          The duo noted that putting newborns to breast within the first hour after birth, gives them the best chance to survive, thrive and develop to their full potential, adding that mothers need the support of hospitals, birth centers, health workers, government, and families to achieve it.

          They appealed to the State government and private organisations to create an enabling environment and implement essential maternity protection policies in line with the International Labour Organisation's recommendation, which stated that women should be given 18 weeks of paid maternity leave and ensure time and space for continued breastfeeding after their resumption.

          Earlier in his address, the State Nutrition Officer, Mr. Olugbenga Idowu identified sensitisation as a work tool in encouraging nursing mothers on personal hygiene and the nutritional value of breastmilk, as it contains more nutrients that a child needs to develop and grow well, stating that working together could prevent under-nutrition among infants

          In their remarks, the Head of Department, Nutrition and Dietetics, State Hospital, Ijaye Abeokuta, and Nutrition Focal Persons for Odeda Local Government, Mrs. Moyosore Ademuyiwa and Mrs. Funmilayo Babafemi respectively, lauded the initiative of the Board for the symposium, assuring that they would not relent in educating the nursing mothers on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and other key household practices.