General Hospital, Ikorodu has celebrated World Breastfeeding Week with a series of engaging activities aimed at promoting the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of birth for both mothers and infants.
The Medical Director/CEO of the hospital, Dr. Taiwo Kamorudeen Hassan, in his remarks, revealed that breast milk is affordable, needs no special preparation, has no contamination, and is vital for the solid foundation of a child, adding that there is need to support breastfeeding mothers for a hitch-free breastfeeding experience.
In a presentation on the benefits of breastfeeding, delivered by the Head of the Paediatrics Department, Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Ewedemi. She revealed that breastfeeding creates a strong bond between babies and their mothers while also helping in the physical and mental development of the child.
The Paediatrician further advised all mothers present to breastfeed their babies until they outgrow the breastfeeding age. She equally demonstrated the right positioning for breastfeeding while enjoining fathers and other members of the family to support in making the home comfortable for women while breastfeeding.
Similarly, Mrs. Folake Ajibade, Head, Nutrition and Dietetics Department, reiterated the importance of a balanced diet for mothers during breastfeeding while stating that any inadequacies in diet will influence both the quantity and quality of milk secreted.
She, therefore, counselled mothers to eat a variety of foods rich in fibre, increase their intake of fruits and vegetables, drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and avoid weight loss diets, alcohol, caffeine and smoking.
Also lending her voice, Chief Nursing Officer, (Mrs.) Badejo Olukemi of the Paediatrics Children’s Emergency, enjoined mothers to feed their babies on demand, and whenever they won’t be around to feed them, they should preserve the breast milk in a clean and covered jar and keep it in a refrigerator for their babies’ nannies.
There were various interactive sessions and open forums, where mothers shared their breastfeeding journeys and concerns. Healthcare professionals provided valuable information on the importance of breastfeeding, debunked common myths about breastfeeding, and offered practical tips for new mothers.
Additionally, informative pamphlets and visual displays were given out to everyone within the hospital premises to raise awareness and provide resources about breastfeeding techniques and maternal health.
Supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually all over the globe in the first week of August. The theme for the year 2024 event: “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All”, aims to drum up substantial support for mothers during their breastfeeding journeys while also showcasing how the family circle and the society at large can actively take part in making exclusive breastfeeding an easy and a possible task.
