Expert advocates supportive policies for exclusive breastfeeding in workplaces

*Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and breastfeeding the child for up to two years is very important for the growth of the baby, says Dr. Vetty Agala, Chairperson of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In advocacy for the recommended six-month exclusive breastfeeding for babies, Dr. Vetty Agala, Chairperson of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Rivers State Chapter, has called for policies that would encourage breastfeeding by nursing mothers in workplaces.

ConsumerConnect gathered Dr. Agala stated this during the activities to marking the 2021 edition of the World Breastfeeding Week in the state.

The theme for this year’s edition is, “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility”.

The Chairperson of MWAN in an interview Sunday, August 1, 2021, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, said she identified rigid work policies as one of the major factors affecting the six months recommended for exclusive breastfeeding for babies.

Agala urged nursing mothers to take advantage of the breastfeeding week by visiting healthcentres for more tips on healthy breastfeeding for their babies.

“We are also talking about working places making breastfeeding practice doable for their staff; having a crèche where a baby can be kept and the mother can run in to breastfeed their babies.

“Having a breastfeeding policy in our places of work will also help people to understand that everyone is supporting them,” stated she.

Agala further noted: “We know that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and of course breastfeeding the child for up to two years is very important for the growth of the baby.”

World Breastfeeding Week is marked annually from August 1 to 7 as part of efforts by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to “protect, promote and support breastfeeding.”