World Breastfeeding Week was commemorated at Ajeromi General Hospital in partnership with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, bringing together mothers, nutrition experts, and health professionals for a sensitisation programme.
Themed “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, the event featured discussions on breastfeeding practices, maternal nutrition, and the importance of workplace support for nursing mothers.
Glory Chinaecherem Uzoigwe, Nutrition and Health Coach, Feeding Specialist and Breastfeeding Consultant, emphasised the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and highlighted the need for sustainable systems to support working mothers. She also referenced the World Health Organisation’s code on infant formula, explaining why breast milk remains the best source of nutrition for babies.
Uzoigwe noted that many working-class mothers are often forced to rely on infant formulas due to the short duration of maternity leave and the lack of workplace facilities such as lactation rooms and child-friendly spaces.
“These challenges force mothers to drop off their babies at day care or with relatives and then supplement with formula. Breastmilk requires constant stimulation to sustain supply, and with the stress of commuting and work, many women get home too exhausted to express milk for the next day,” she said.
She further called for policies to normalise breastfeeding in public spaces, extend paid maternity leave, and provide designated breastfeeding areas in offices. “Offices that can afford it should also consider child-friendly spaces as part of employee welfare and negotiations,” she added.
Chioma Nwachukwu, another speaker, demonstrated correct latching techniques through practical and illustrative sessions with dummy babies.
Following the sensitisation, the organisers met with the hospital’s Medical Director to discuss the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers in the local community
