Breastfeeding essential for child growth and development – Ijeoma Ilo, Public Health Expert

As statistics continue to show that some mothers are abandoning breast feeding for milk formulas in weaning their newborn babies, a health expert is warning on the dangers of denying toddlers the rich ingredients of breast milk.

Mrs Judith Ijeoma Ilo, a Fellow of the West African College of Nursing and a a lecturer in the Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka advised nursing mothers to ensure that their babies are given breast milk exclusively at least for six months.

Ijeoma Ilo answering listeners questions during the Radio Nigeria, Enugu programme 

Click link below to listen to the interview 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rp8jjv8vjj1a2ld/AUD-20200806-WA0018.mp3?dl=0

Speaking on a Radio Nigeria Enugu programme, which focused on the Breastfeeding week, an annual event  marked globally from 1st to 7th of August, Mrs Ilo said that research has shown that breast milk contained all the nutrients a child needs in the first six months of life.

She said with the theme of this years celebration “Support Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet” WHO and UNICEF are calling on governments around  the world to protect and promote women’s access to skilled breastfeeding counselling, a critical component of breastfeeding  support.

WHO and UNICEF she said,  “expects Governments to invest in breast feeding enlightenment programmes, training of nurses and midwives, ensure that skilled counselling on breast feeding gets to the grassroots, encourage and facilitate collaboration with civil societies and health professionals and protect health care workers from the influence of the baby food industry.

Ilo who took questions from listeners during the programme said spouses and family members of nursing mothers have an important role to play,  as exclusive breastfeeding is successful and achievable with a strong support system.

Ilo who is also a mother who had practiced breast feeding over the years enlightened mothers on the best techniques to achieve exclusive  breastfeeding which she said gives the new born baby the best possible start in life.

She urged mothers to ignore the age-long belief that a child needed water to survive as breast milk had a great percentage of water and other properties that helps fight unfriendly childhood diseases