By Ayo Onikoyi

The rapid decline in breastfeeding rates and the rise in formula feeding have led to an alarming increase in maternal morbidity.

These changes, which include increased risks of postpartum hemorrhage, infections, and certain cancers, present significant health challenges for mothers.

The lack of breastfeeding support and education contributes to these risks, as it exacerbates health disparities and undermines maternal well-being.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, yet global statistics reveal a concerning gap between recommendation and reality. According to WHO data, only about 44% of infants under 6 months were exclusively breastfed worldwide between 2015 and 2021.

The challenges are particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. The Nigeria Federal Government has said that only 29 percent of infants under the age of six months are exclusively breastfed, while only 42 percent are put to the breast within the first hour of birth. This stark contrast underscores the need for targeted interventions and support systems.

Breastfeeding provides a multitude of benefits for both mother and child. Breastfeeding provides infants with essential nutrients, antibodies, and protection against infections, significantly reducing the risk of infant mortality and morbidity. Studies have shown that exclusively breastfed babies are less likely to develop allergies, asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes later in life. Moreover, breastfeeding can contribute to maternal health benefits, including reduced risk of postpartum hemorrhage, ovarian and breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

For mothers, exclusive breastfeeding can facilitate faster postpartum recovery, aid in returning to pre-pregnancy weight, and reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Moreover, it promotes bonding between mother and child, fostering a nurturing and secure environment for the infant’s development.

Despite the well-documented benefits, many mothers encounter significant challenges in exclusively breastfeeding their infants. Common difficulties include inadequate lactation support, societal stigma, and the need to return to work shortly after. Additionally, misinformation and insufficient lactation support contribute to the decline in breastfeeding rates.

“In many communities, there is still a lack of understanding about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, and mothers often do not receive the support they need,” says The Federal Ministry of Health “We need to provide more resources and create a supportive environment that encourages and enables mothers to breastfeed exclusively.”

Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving maternal health equity and reducing mortality rates. During a recent discussion Ms. Khadijat Adeleye, an expert in maternal health, discussed the profound impact that exclusive breastfeeding can have on maternal health equity.

“Exclusive breastfeeding can be a powerful tool in reducing health disparities among different socioeconomic groups,” Adeleye explained. “By promoting and supporting breastfeeding, we can help ensure that all mothers, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to provide the best nutrition for their babies. This not only improves infant health outcomes but also reduces maternal mortality rates by lowering the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and infections, conditions that disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities.”

To tackle these issues effectively, Adeleye emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach that includes enhancing health literacy, creating supportive work policies, and improving access to lactation support services. “We must focus on educating mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding and dispelling common myths and misconceptions. This involves training healthcare providers to offer consistent and accurate information and creating public health campaigns that reach diverse communities.”

In regions where traditional birth attendants play a significant role, Adeleye suggests collaborating with them. “By educating and involving traditional birth attendants in breastfeeding promotion, we can reach more mothers in rural and traditional communities,” she explains.

Solving these challenges holds profound significance. By increasing breastfeeding rates, we can not only enhance maternal and infant health outcomes but also promote health equity. “Improving breastfeeding support is a vital step towards reducing health disparities. It ensures that all mothers, regardless of their socio-economic status, can provide their children with the best start in life,” Adeleye concludes.

As Nigeria strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to child and maternal health, exclusive breastfeeding emerges as a cornerstone for building healthier and more equitable societies. Experts recommend comprehensive lactation support programs, public health campaigns to raise awareness, and policies that support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. By investing in these solutions, we can ensure a healthier future for both mothers and their children.