Mrs. Rose Nicanor, a mother of two, attributes her four-month-old baby’s glowing health to exclusive breastfeeding. She proudly shared that her baby has had no medical issues, as she has not introduced even water since birth. Similarly, her first child also remained illness-free during infancy, thanks to this practice.
Mrs. Juliana Timothy echoed the sentiment, describing motherhood as a cherished experience. She emphasized that breastmilk not only boosts a child’s immune system but also makes them smarter and stronger.
Experts universally agree that breastmilk is a nutritional powerhouse. It contains essential fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins tailored to a baby’s needs. Research shows that breastmilk is composed of 87% water, 3.8% fat, 1% protein, and 7% lactose, providing energy and adapting over time to meet a growing child’s requirements.
Beyond nutrition, breastmilk acts as a natural vaccine. The first milk, known as colostrum, transfers maternal immunity to the newborn, protecting against common illnesses. Studies also show that breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests, have a lower risk of obesity and diabetes, and experience fewer illnesses later in life.
Mothers benefit as well, with reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancers.
Despite its benefits, exclusive breastfeeding faces challenges. In Nigeria, only 29% of mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding, contributing to an infant mortality rate of 72.2 per 1,000 live births. Cultural myths, misinformation, and economic hardships hinder progress.
According to UNICEF, formula feeding in low-resource settings exposes infants to infections due to contaminated water and poor sanitation.
