Anambra first lady Advocates Exclusive Breastfeeding For mother, child development

The wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has affirmed that exclusive breastfeeding is a standard health practice that favours the overall development of the mother and child.

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Mrs Soludo while was speaking to some breastfeeding mothers in Awka, the state capital, noted that contrary to false assumptions about the practice, mothers who practice exclusive breastfeeding have taken one primary step to saving themselves and their babies the threats of common illnesses and household diseases.

She stated that exclusive breastfeeding has been scientifically and practically proven to be the best form of feeding within the first eight months of a child’s birth, and protects against diarrhoea, pneumonia, and help the child build optimal health, body and brain development.

The governor’s wife explained that it is best to follow the World Health Organization (WHO), standard exclusive breastfeeding recommendation, which puts the timeline of exclusive breast milk to six months, while complementary feeding of other solid foods combined with breastfeeding can continue for up to two years.

She noted that, “Young mothers have to adopt exclusive breastfeeding for the sake of their babies’ health, explaining that while the benefits outweigh the stress, mother who take the practice will eventually reap the long-term gains.”

She disclosed that having exclusively breastfed all her six children, she knows first-hand the benefits therein, and will recommend it to any woman who is nursing or expecting.

Mrs Soludo, while appealing to mothers to quickly embrace exclusive breastfeeding, stated that her healthy living crusade has also opened up opportunities for women and families to grasp the knowledge of nutrition and why they should pay attention to it.

Mrs Soludo also noted that, “The state government is constantly driving exclusive breastfeeding development strategy and has developed primary health structures to encourage women to adopt the child raising model.

“The ongoing free antenatal care and delivery services in Anambra State are also tailored to make women understand the need for healthy child rasing practices, including adequate vaccinations and post-natal plans.”

She stated that the state’s primary health care model is one of the best in the country, pointing out that her husband’s administration places great attention on the development of the state’s health sector.