SUPPORT BREASTFEEDING THROUGH PAID MATERNITY LEAVE FOR NURSING MOTHERS —UNICEF BEGS …

REPORTER: EMEFIENA OKONKWO

Government at all levels and other employers of labour are encouraged to support breastfeeding through paid maternity leave for nursing mothers.

The Chief of Field Office, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, gave the advice in a message to the Zonal Media Dialogue on 2023 World Breastfeeding week and Zero Water Campaign in three states of Enugu, Benue and Cross River.

Mrs. Chiluwe noted that the Zonal Media Dialogue, which was organized by Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency with support from UNICEF, aimed to highlight the importance of breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding in reducing infant and childhood malnutrition, diseases and deaths.

In a key presentation, the Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, Mrs. Ngozi Onuora, explained that exclusive breastfeeding is vital for the healthy growth and mental development of babies.

Mrs. Onuora noted that “exclusive breastfeeding does not require water as it contains water and other basic nutrients infants need.”

She encouraged governments, employers of labour and policy makers to promote at least 18 weeks paid maternity leave, while adequate time should be given to nursing mothers to breastfeed their infants after maternity leave.

In another key presentation, the Communications Officer, UNICEF Enugu, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe encouraged media professionals and practitioners to sensitize the public particularly nursing mothers to the importance of exclusive breastfeeding to child’s survival, wellbeing and development.

Dr. Onuoha-Ogwe stated that providing options that reduce separation of women from their babies after maternity leave such as flexible work schedules, on-site childcare, teleworking and letting mothers bring their babies to work, should be encouraged.

Earlier in an address, the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mrs. Chisom Uchem, who represented Governor Chukwuma Soludo, pledged sustained enabling environment and policies for working mothers to breastfeed their babies at their places of work.

The theme of the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week is “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents.”

The celebration commences on August 1 and ends on August 7.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU