By Mercy Onyenweli
Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State, has commemorated the World Breastfeeding Day with the Theme” “Lets’s Make Breastfeeding and Work ,work”
Addressing expectant Mothers at the Central Hospital in Benin City, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Adesuwa Ehimuan availed the opportunity to appeal to Employers to provide facilities that can enable Mothers breastfeed and express Milk for their infants at workplace.
Emphasizing on the crucial role breastfeeding play in the development of a Child as an infant, Adesuwa stressed that breastfeeding Mothers should be paid while on break to breastfeed their infants as infants under the age of 6 Months of age are exclusively on breastfeeding and should be given adequate attention.
“Breast milk is the Primary source for all their nutritional needs in the initial few months of an infant’s life, as it comprises water, carbohydrate, protein, Vitamins and other minerals (Calcium, Phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, etc”
“Breastfeeding equipped with both maternal and Child benefits that include prevention of Child from severe diseases, respiratory problems, sudden infant death and unexped death of a healthy baby called cot death” she added.
Speaking also, Senior Registrar Physician/Rheumatologist, Dr. Onose Shalom called on breastfeeding Mothers to imbibe healthy breast feeding practices for the health of their infants.
She said Women should always remove the black scale on their nipples and always ensure they apply Vaseline, blackseal or olive oil on the nipple for easy sucking for the infants while anchor the back position with a pillow and the baby’s head on the elbow of the mother’s hand.
Dr Enose stressed further that breastfeeding Mothers should also express their milk on a feeding bottle and refrigerate it to preserve it for the consumption of the infant.
She appealed further to employers to encourage breastfeeding in workplace by providing a semi crèche where mothers can conveniently access and breastfeed their infants at ease as such acts will promote healthy living for the child and Mother.
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