The Rivers State chairperson of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Dr Vetty Agala has called for policies that would encourage breastfeeding by nursing mothers in workplaces.
Dr. Agala made the call during activities to marking the 2021 edition of the World Breastfeeding week,
The MWAN chairman who spoke in an interview in Port Harcourt on Sunday identified rigid work policies as one of the major factors affecting the six months recommended exclusive breastfeeding for mothers and babies.
The Rivers State chairperson of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Dr Vetty Agala has called for policies that would encourage breastfeeding by nursing mothers in workplaces.
Dr. Agala made the call during activities to marking the 2021 edition of the World Breastfeeding week,
The MWAN chairman who spoke in an interview in Port Harcourt on Sunday identified rigid work policies as one of the major factors affecting the six months recommended exclusive breastfeeding for mothers and babies.
She advised nursing mothers to take advantage of the breastfeeding week by visiting health centres for more tips on healthy breastfeeding.
In her words, “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”.
“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”.
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World Breastfeeding Week is marked annually from August 1 to 7 as part of efforts by the World Health Organization and the UNICEF to “protect, promote and support breastfeeding”.
The theme for this year’s edition is “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility.”
