The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Lagos State Chapter has encouraged nursing mothers to practise exclusive breastfeed their babies so as to have a healthy and lively babies.
Breastfeeding week is celebrated annually between from August 1 to 7, hence, Lagos NAWOJ leverages not just on the first week of August but on the entire month of August to sensitise and encourage women and mothers on the need to keep breastfeeding their babies for the first six month of the babies’ lives.
With this year’s them “Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet”, NAWOJ aims to dedicate its August Congress on Saturday August 8 to celebrate breastfeeding week this year without a walk in line with safety measures against COVID-19.
In a statement signed by the state association’s Chairperson, Comrade Adeola Ekine and the Secretary, comrade Lilian Ario, the association pleads with fathers to be very supportive to their wives during the lactating stage.
They further encouraged fathers to assist their wives to make the period stress free, urging them to ensure that mothers get all the rightful nutrients they need at this time.
NAWOJ Lagos, however, appreciated Lagos State Government for promoting exclusive breastfeeding and granting fathers paternity leave of 3 months and 6 months for nursing mothers to encourage breastfeeding.
Ekine adds, “NAWOJ Lagos is urging mothers to continue nursing their children by eating healthy and balanced diet so that babies can enjoy a healthy and nutritious breastmilk.”
“It is of note that children that are well breastfed are equipped with all the nutrients required to fight different kinds of diseases. They pleaded with mothers never to relent in ensuring that their children are well fed with breast milk.”
The chairperson noted that safe and healthy society begins with a well-fed infants who grow into becoming an adult with a healthy mind working on making the planet a better place.
“The association is passionate about women bringing forth healthy babies and nursing them through a healthy lifestyle,” she emphasised.
She continued that in line with this year’s theme, NAWOJ Lagos State Chapter implored mothers to adhere to the health sector rules on breastfeeding while calling on fathers to support and encourage their wives to raise lively sons and daughters for a healthier planet.
