How Community Support Can Revolutionize Breastfeeding and Maternal Health
In a recent interview, Dr. Khadijat Adeleye, an advocate for maternal health, highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive support structures across various community levels to improve breastfeeding rates and maternal health outcomes in Nigeria. Her insights emphasize that improving these outcomes requires a collective effort that encompasses family, community, workplaces, health systems, and policy frameworks.
The Importance of World Breastfeeding Week
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week, from August 1st to 7th, focuses on the theme “Let’s Make Breastfeeding and Work, Work!” This theme underscores the necessity of creating environments where mothers can balance breastfeeding with work commitments, a scenario that currently faces significant hurdles due to fragmented support systems in the country.
Addressing Gaps in Breastfeeding Support
According to Dr. Adeleye, exclusive breastfeeding stands as one of the most potent interventions for curbing infant mortality. Yet, only 29% of Nigerian infants under six months are exclusively breastfed, far from the World Health Organization’s 2025 target of 50%. She called for consistent encouragement and culturally sensitive structures to aid mothers at home and work. According to News Agency of Nigeria, essential maternity rights and workplace accommodations can substantially aid mothers in breastfeeding.
Community Initiatives Leading the Way
The significance of community-driven initiatives cannot be overstated. In rural areas of Nigeria, Mother Support Groups have demonstrated success by raising exclusive breastfeeding rates through peer counseling and household visits. Particularly in Benue and Kaduna States, these groups have shown the power of collective community efforts.
Policy Changes: A Call to Action
Adeleye’s plea to the government for full enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and the promotion of baby-friendly hospital initiatives highlights a fundamental step in safeguarding breastfeeding practices. The emphasis must be on weaving strong support systems that resist commercial interests that often undermine breastfeeding.
Workplace Flexibility for Breastfeeding Mothers
Drawing attention to the dual demands on women to either maintain employment or tend to their children, Dr. Adeleye advocated for structural support in workplaces across Nigeria. Recommendations include flexible work hours, designated breastfeeding spaces, and enforcing policies that protect working women’s maternity rights. These, she argues, are instrumental in not only supporting health but also in fostering economic productivity.
By fostering an integrated support system, Nigeria can make significant strides in maternal and child health. Dr. Adeleye urges policymakers to adapt labor laws and health policies to ensure all women have access to supportive breastfeeding environments. As echoed in her words, “Making breastfeeding at work, work, makes societies work.”
The call is clear: a united effort is critical to realize significant improvements for maternal health across Nigeria.
