The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on employers across Southwest Nigeria to adopt breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies, as support for nursing mothers is essential to improving child survival and healthy development.
The appeal was made by the Chief of UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, as the world marks this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from August 1 to 7.
Lafoucriere said many Nigerian mothers face significant challenges in sustaining breastfeeding after returning to work, stressing that creating supportive environments in workplaces, health facilities and homes is key to improving breastfeeding rates.
She noted that only one in three babies in Nigeria is breastfed within the first hour after birth, while just three in 10 infants are exclusively breastfed for their first six months of life, despite overwhelming evidence of its health benefits.
“A mother cannot do this alone. She needs a workplace that gives her time and space to breastfeed”
“She needs a health worker who tells her the truth about formula marketing. She needs her family standing behind her, not questioning her,” Lafoucriere said.
Describing breast milk as “the first vaccine every baby receives,” she said it helps protect infants against infections, supports healthy brain development and is a natural, cost-free source of nutrition.
UNICEF urged employers to introduce measures such as flexible breastfeeding breaks and dedicated private nursing spaces to enable mothers to continue breastfeeding after resuming work.
The agency also appealed to health workers to ensure that every newborn is breastfed within the first hour after delivery, describing the practice as a critical step in giving children the healthiest possible start in life.
Paying tribute to working mothers, Lafoucriere acknowledged the sacrifices many make to balance employment with childcare.
“To every mother in Lagos feeding her child right now in the quiet hours of the night, we see you. You are giving your child your first and best gift,” she added.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments and development partners to promote optimal breastfeeding practices and improve maternal and child nutrition across Nigeria.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed each year globally from August 1 to 7 to raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and encourage stronger support for mothers and infants.
