He noted that exclusive breast feeding is a deliberate way of sustaining the general well being of the children. “As a country, Nigeria must decide to promote, to protect, and to be able to preserve breastfeeding. “Mothers must be encouraged to breastfeed exclusively. “As a country, we must encourage the mothers to do so by coming out with laws that can guarantee the employment of a mother when that mother has delivered a baby. “One way of doing it is to make sure that there is sufficient leave time, maternity leave. “At some point, we had about 84 working days as maternity leave for every mother once they have delivered their babies. “That is good enough, but we need to now preserve it more by making it mandatory to be able to have enough time to feed their babies. “In addition, offices should develop crèches where mothers are encouraged to bring their babies to the office. “That may be another opportunity of encouraging mothers to breastfeed and also helping countries to preserve the integrity of their children.”

The World Health Organisation recognises breastfeeding as the best feeding practice to nourish the infant. Breast milk provides the right nutrients in the right amount and according to the baby’s needs. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the baby’s first six months of life and then continued with complimentary feeding till the age of two or beyond where possible. Breastfeeding is the natural way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. (NAN)

Source:Leadership Online