… State Seeks Stronger Support Systems For Mothers
… Advocates Early Initiation
As Lagos joins the rest of the world to commemorate Y2025 World Breastfeeding Week, the State said it has recorded a significant milestone in child nutrition with its exclusive breastfeeding rate rising to 57.4%, surpassing the global benchmark of 50%.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, who revealed this on Tuesday during the official press briefing to flag off the Year 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, noted that the State government is, however, working assiduously to address the 14% low rate of early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, which poses serious implications for neonatal health.
She explained that the low rate of early initiation, putting babies to breast within one hour of delivery, is primarily due to gaps in service delivery, misinformation, and the use of pre-lacteal feeds like glucose water and infant formula. “When babies miss out on colostrum, which is rich in antibodies, their immunity is compromised from the start,” she said, adding that midwives and birth attendants are being trained to ensure proper initiation practices.
Dr. (Mrs.) Ogunyemi said this year’s theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” emphasises the need to institutionalise long-term support for nursing mothers, especially working women. “We are focused not just on promoting breastfeeding but ensuring that mothers have the social, institutional and workplace support they need,” she stated.
She described breastfeeding as one of the most effective child survival strategies, especially in the first six months of life. She added that continued breastfeeding up to two years improves cognitive, emotional and physical development. “This is not just a maternal health issue, it is a public health, economic and developmental concern,” she said, while calling for consistent investments in Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN).
According to the Special Adviser, the State Government has since institutionalised a six-month maternity leave and a two-week paternity leave for the first two deliveries across all public institutions. “This forward-thinking policy enables families to prioritise breastfeeding in those crucial first six months. We urge private employers to adopt this standard,” she noted.
Dr. Ogunyemi also commended the work being done in the State’s 334 Primary Health Centres and over 20 Mother and Child Centres equipped with intensive care units and skilled paediatric personnel. She said health education and antenatal counselling have been intensified in public facilities to prepare mothers for optimal breastfeeding and childcare practices.
Earlier, the Director of Family Health and Nutrition at the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folashade Oludara, described breastfeeding as the most economical and effective food source for infants, especially amid ongoing economic challenges. “Now more than ever, mothers should embrace exclusive breastfeeding. It is free, readily available, and has no adverse side effects. Contrary to myths, it doesn’t cause saggy breasts,” she said.
Dr. Oludara emphasised the need for increased public enlightenment and encouraged attendees to ask questions and dispel misconceptions. “We want our women to be informed. Breastfeeding even has protective effects against breast cancer,” she added, urging the press to amplify evidence-based information.
Delivering a goodwill message, Founder of the Child Health Advocacy Initiative (CHAI) and UN Nutrition Champion to Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs.) Lola Alonge commended Lagos for being the first state to implement six-month paid maternity and two weeks’ paternity leave. “This is a policy Lagos pioneered over a decade ago, and only about nine other states have followed suit. It’s commendable,” she said.