World Breast Feeding Week: Group emphasized the importance of Breastfeeding
World Breast Feeding Week: Group emphasized the importance of Breastfeeding
By Our Correspondents
The Executive Director of Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development Initiative Prince Israel Orekha said breastfeeding contributes positively to the nation's economy, employers, families and communities.
Prince Israel Orekha
Prince Orekha said this in Benin City while charting with the Social Reporters News Service as part of celebration of the 2019 World Breastfeeding Week. He said before a baby is born, the uterus protects him or her from most of the germs to which the mother is exoosed to. "After birth, the mother's milk continues to protect against many of the viruses, bacteria and parasites to which the baby is now exposed.
"Several substances in breastmilk not only prevent diseases; some stimulate and strengthen the development of the baby's immature immune system. This results to better health, even years after breastfeeding has ended.
"For these and other reasons, based on scientific evidence, the World Health Assembly has adopted, as a public health recommendation, that babies should be fed exclusively on breastmilk for six months and continue breastfeeding at least until two years of age", the Connected Advocacy's boss said.
Prince Orekha said one benefit of breastfeeding to employers is that, it helps in reducing staff absenteeism, saying it contributes to more stable workforce. "Research has shown that employers who support their female employees in terms of maternity benefits, breastfeeding breaks, rest periods, note improved staff morale, less turnover and increased loyalty to the organisation.
Speaking about the benefits of breastfeeding to mother's Reproductive health, Prince Orekha said: "Studies prove that as long as a mother breastfeeds fully or nearly fully and as long as her periods have not returned, her protection against pregnancy during the first six months is 98%. This family planning method is called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM).
"Breastfeeding also helps in the reduction of anaemia and help in lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the 15 years after birth, breast and overian Cancers".
Speaking on benefits for family, the Programme Officer in charge of Adolescents Youth Reproductive Health, Dr. Isaac Eranga said breastfeeding strengthens family ties. He said studies have shown the emotional and psychological importance, as well as the bonding affects to both mother and child. He also said breastfeeding develops a mother's confidence in her physical and emotional capacities.
"Breastfeeding brings economic benefits and helps to save time: savings on the purchase of breastmilk substitutes and other feeding materials; less time spent on having to buy formula or other necessary products; less spending on medical care and medication; less spending in birth control methods; less time and worry spent on having to care for Illnesses that could often be avoided; etc", the Research Ethicist said.
By Our Correspondents
The Executive Director of Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development Initiative Prince Israel Orekha said breastfeeding contributes positively to the nation's economy, employers, families and communities.
Prince Israel Orekha
Prince Orekha said this in Benin City while charting with the Social Reporters News Service as part of celebration of the 2019 World Breastfeeding Week. He said before a baby is born, the uterus protects him or her from most of the germs to which the mother is exoosed to. "After birth, the mother's milk continues to protect against many of the viruses, bacteria and parasites to which the baby is now exposed.
"Several substances in breastmilk not only prevent diseases; some stimulate and strengthen the development of the baby's immature immune system. This results to better health, even years after breastfeeding has ended.
"For these and other reasons, based on scientific evidence, the World Health Assembly has adopted, as a public health recommendation, that babies should be fed exclusively on breastmilk for six months and continue breastfeeding at least until two years of age", the Connected Advocacy's boss said.
Prince Orekha said one benefit of breastfeeding to employers is that, it helps in reducing staff absenteeism, saying it contributes to more stable workforce. "Research has shown that employers who support their female employees in terms of maternity benefits, breastfeeding breaks, rest periods, note improved staff morale, less turnover and increased loyalty to the organisation.
Speaking about the benefits of breastfeeding to mother's Reproductive health, Prince Orekha said: "Studies prove that as long as a mother breastfeeds fully or nearly fully and as long as her periods have not returned, her protection against pregnancy during the first six months is 98%. This family planning method is called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM).
"Breastfeeding also helps in the reduction of anaemia and help in lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the 15 years after birth, breast and overian Cancers".
Speaking on benefits for family, the Programme Officer in charge of Adolescents Youth Reproductive Health, Dr. Isaac Eranga said breastfeeding strengthens family ties. He said studies have shown the emotional and psychological importance, as well as the bonding affects to both mother and child. He also said breastfeeding develops a mother's confidence in her physical and emotional capacities.
"Breastfeeding brings economic benefits and helps to save time: savings on the purchase of breastmilk substitutes and other feeding materials; less time spent on having to buy formula or other necessary products; less spending on medical care and medication; less spending in birth control methods; less time and worry spent on having to care for Illnesses that could often be avoided; etc", the Research Ethicist said.
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