Despite breastfeeding being a widely accepted cultural practice in Nigeria, the country is still recording worrying low rates of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said.
The Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Lagos, Celine Lafoucriere, made the appeal in a statement marking the global campaign, stressing that while breastfeeding remains common among Nigerian mothers, many infants are still being denied the full benefits of optimal breastfeeding practices.
The UNICEF official expressed concern that millions of newborns in the country are missing out on the life-saving benefits of breast milk in the first critical days and months of life.
Lafoucriere noted that breastfeeding is one of the most effective and affordable interventions for improving child survival, nutrition and cognitive development, saying every newborn deserves the best possible start in life.
According to her, breastmilk protects babies against diseases, strengthens brain development and provides all the nutrients infants need during their first six months of life at no financial cost to families.
“Breastmilk is the first vaccine every baby receives. It protects against sickness. It builds a stronger brain. It gives a child the best possible start in life. And it costs nothing,” she said.
Despite the widespread practice of breastfeeding in Nigeria, the UNICEF official expressed concern over the country’s low rate of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding.
She revealed that only one in three babies in Nigeria is breastfed within the first hour after birth, while just three out of every 10 infants are exclusively breastfed for the recommended first six months of life without water, infant formula or solid foods.
Lafoucriere observed that Southwest Nigeria, with its extensive healthcare facilities, vibrant commercial activities and growing population of working mothers, has enormous potential to improve these statistics if all stakeholders play their respective roles.
She, however, stressed that successful breastfeeding should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of mothers.
“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 own mother, her husband, her mother-in-law, her pastor, her imam, standing behind her, not questioning her,” she said.
The UNICEF field chief therefore urged employers to establish breastfeeding-friendly workplaces by providing nursing mothers with adequate time and private spaces to breastfeed or express breastmilk.
She also called on healthcare professionals to ensure that every newborn is placed on the mother’s breast within the first hour after delivery, in line with global best practices, while encouraging them to provide accurate information on infant feeding free from the influence of commercial formula marketing.
Lafoucriere further appealed to fathers, grandparents, religious leaders and other family members to actively encourage and support breastfeeding mothers rather than discourage or question their decisions.
Addressing mothers directly, she acknowledged their sacrifices and reassured them of UNICEF’s continued support.
“To every mother in Lagos feeding her child right now, alone in the quiet hours of the night, we see you. You are giving your child their first and best gift. UNICEF, our partners and your government stand with you,” she said.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7 to promote breastfeeding as a vital strategy for improving child health, reducing infant mortality and advancing sustainable development. This year’s campaign highlights the importance of creating supportive environments that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully at home, in healthcare facilities and in the workplace.