Janet Ogundepo Nursing mothers have stated that the hunger and inability to meet their daily dietary needs have hindered their ability to breastfeed their under-six-month-old infants exclusively. These mothers said they have resorted to supplementing their breast milk by giving their babies water and locally made foods such as pap. They believe that breastfeeding while hungry might affect their health, reduce the quantity of their breast milk, and leave their babies unsatisfied.
However, maternal and nutrition experts who spoke to PUNCH Healthwise, explained that while hunger can affect the quality of breast milk, it does not impact its quantity. They emphasised that even if mothers cannot afford a balanced diet due to rising food costs, they can still produce enough breast milk if the baby latches on properly. The expert appealed to lactating mothers that exclusive breastfeeding was cheaper and healthier than alternative food.
To ensure equal access to breastfeeding support, the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children’s Fund called for improving global breastfeeding rates on Thursday. In a joint statement signed by UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, and WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, in honour of World Breastfeeding Week, they highlighted that over the last 12 years, only 48 per cent of infants worldwide have been exclusively breastfed. WBW, celebrated annually from August 1st to 7th, aims to raise awareness and promote the benef.