As the world marks the 2026 breastfeeding week, mothers and healthcare providers in Imo have pledged their commitment to exclusive breastfeeding.
The mothers and health workers said this when journalists visited Iho health center, Ikeduru Council Area Imo, on Thursday.
Our correspondent reports that World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated every Aug. 1 to Aug. 7, is observed by the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to raise awareness about the significance of breastfeeding in the society.
The year’s theme is: ‘Breastfeeding for Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works’.
Speaking, Mrs Nneoma Tobenna, who came for post natal care, said she used to worry that becoming pregnant again before completing six months of exclusive breastfeeding might force her to stop.
She added that thanks to sensitisation efforts by UNICEF, she was reassured that breastfeeding could continue during subsequent pregnancy.
Also, Mrs Happiness Ekeoha thanked UNICEF for enlightening young mothers, and pledged to insist on exclusive breastfeeding.
On her part, Mrs Chinyere Eziukwu urged other mothers to adopt the practice, saying it had worked well for her in the past.
Mrs Queen Nwachukwu, matron of the Community Health Centre, said staff routinely remind mothers about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
She however noted that the persistent cultural belief that newborns need water from day one was largely responsible for the compromise on exclusive breastfeeding.
She urged mothers to hold firm to exclusive breastfeeding for the bonding and hygienic advantages of breast milk.
Recall that UNICEF’s Nutrition Specialist for Enugu Field Office, Mrs Ngozi Onuorah, had at a workshop to mark the week, described exclusive breastfeeding as the most effective route to healthy early development.
Onuorah highlighted that breast milk provides the full complement of nutrients a baby needs in the first six months postpartum.
She called on the media to shape public opinion, correct misinformation, promote positive social norms, hold institutions accountable, amplify mothers’ voices, and showcase successful breastfeeding stories to increase adoption of the practice.
Our correspondent reports that over 50 lactating mothers benefited from the enlightenment visit.