Exclusive Breastfeeding impossible
Some nursing mothers in Bauchi State claimed on Friday decried that they can no longer afford a healthy diet to support exclusive breastfeeding due to escalating food prices.
The moms talked in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria as the Bauchi State Government, international partners, and stakeholders raise awareness about exclusive breastfeeding during the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week.
They said that due to economic circumstances, they are unable to increase their consumption of nutrient-dense meals such as beef, chicken, fish, vegetables, and other items that are essential for a new mother.
Mrs. Nuratu Maigari, a 28-year-old mother of a three-month-old infant, stated, “I fear that this age-long custom of exclusively breastfeeding a kid for at least six months, may not continue due to the current economic situation.
“I breastfed two other children exclusively, which was a life-changing event. I can’t do it with this baby because of the current situation.
“It is important for a new mother to eat meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans and vegetables at least two to three times per day so that she can have enough milk for the baby and energy for herself.”
She stated that moms felt more hungry and thirsty while breastfeeding.
She claims that eating correctly has a significant impact on the amount and quality of milk you produce.
Mrs Jamila Usman, another new mother, said things are challenging since she and her family cannot afford daily meals.
“I’ll have to start introducing water to my infant. I can’t perform the exclusive breastfeeding that was recommended during my antenatal care,” she added.
Another first-time mother, Asabe Umar, told NAN that in the antenatal clinic, she was told to feed her baby only breast milk for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding for 12 months or longer.
“My baby is two months old. My husband has had a difficult time because he is now the sole provider for our family.
“I was informed that the meals I eat during breastfeeding are vital for both my health and my baby’s. I was ordered to consume meat, eggs, beans, and vegetables for six months. Where will we obtain the money to do that?” she complained.
Mrs Talatu Mahmoud, a new mother, told NAN that she knew she would have her kid in July. So, I used my empty sacks and buckets to plant vegetables to take advantage of the raining season.
“I planted ‘Ugu’, bitter leaf, water leaf, moringa and tomatoes so that no matter how little food I get, I will simply add all my vegetables which are very important for a breastfeeding mother.”
Mr Abdurrazak Shehu, the officer in charge of the Federal Low-Cost Primary Health Centre, told NAN that during prenatal, postnatal, and vaccination days, women are instructed on nutrition and how to enhance their household’s food using easy gardening practices.
He stated that the institution reported 31 exclusively breastfed newborns in June 2024, and 40 in July.
He stated that the result demonstrated that moms, regardless of their economic position, stick to exclusive breastfeeding efforts.
