Principal Nursing and Public Health Officer at Adenta, Victoria Obenewaa says six months’ exclusive breastfeeding plays a key role in preventing infant mortality so mothers should take is seriously.
Speaking on Adom FM’s reality show Nyinsen Ne Awuor hosted by Afia Amankwaah Tamakloe, the midwife said in spite of the repeated advice on six months’ exclusive breastfeeding, some mothers take it for granted and that is contributing to child mortality.
She noted that the breast milk is rich in nutrients and anti-bodies and contains the right quantities of fat, sugar, water and protein, which are major pre-requisites to the health and survival of babies.
“When a child is exclusively breast fed, their immune system is strengthened, enabling them to withstand life-threatening illnesses like pneumonia and diarrhea, which used to kill more infants,” she added.
Victoria Obenewaa also revealed that exclusively breastfeeding delays menstruation in nursing mothers.
“For nursing mothers who have chosen exclusive breastfeeding without supplementation with formula, the return to menstruation takes a longer time and even changes your menstrual cycle because the release of prolactin keeps estrogen and progesterone at bay so ovulation is not triggered.”
She said exclusive breastfeeding is a great way to learn about your baby because unlike with the feeding bottle where you cannot see how much the baby is eating, the exclusive breastfeeding bond you with your baby and you can rely on your own instincts to know when your baby is full.
