World Breastfeeding Week: Only Three In 10 Nigerian Babies Get Exclusive Breastfeeding, UNICEF Warns

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… Says Millions Of Newborn Miss Life-Saving Breastmilk

 Lagos – As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for urgent action to improve breastfeeding practices, warning that only three in 10 Nigerian babies are exclusively breastfed during their first six months of life.

UNICEF also warned that too many babies are being denied the healthiest possible start to life despite the life-saving benefits of breastmilk.

The Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Lagos, covering the entire south-west region, Ms Celine Lafoucriere, specifically said the south-west region still has significant work to do in ensuring that every newborn benefits from recommended breastfeeding practices.

Commenting in an interview with Independent Newspapers, Lafoucriere described breastmilk as every baby’s first vaccine.

She stressed that breastmilk protects children against illness, supports stronger brain development and provides the best possible foundation for healthy growth at no financial cost to families.

According to her, although most Nigerian mothers breastfeed their babies, many are unable to follow the recommended practices that offer the greatest protection during a child’s earliest months.

She noted that only one in three babies in Nigeria is put to the breast within the first hour after birth, while only three in 10 infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, receiving no water, infant formula or solid food during that period.

Lafoucriere said south-west Nigeria, with its hospitals, thriving commercial centres and large population of working mothers, has the opportunity to improve these figures through stronger collective support for breastfeeding.

She, however, emphasised that mothers cannot shoulder the responsibility alone, insisting that successful breastfeeding depends on support from employers, health workers and family members.

According to her, working mothers require workplaces that provide adequate time and private spaces for breastfeeding, while health workers must offer accurate guidance on infant feeding and ensure that mothers are protected from misleading formula marketing.

Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Lagos, also urged husbands, mothers, mothers-in-law and religious leaders to encourage breastfeeding rather than discourage or question mothers who choose to follow recommended practices.

Addressing employers directly, Lafoucriere appealed for breastfeeding-friendly work environments that allow mothers the time and privacy required to feed their babies.

She equally called on health workers to ensure that every newborn is placed on the breast within the first hour after birth, describing early initiation as a critical step towards improving child survival and development.

The UNICEF official further appealed to families to provide practical and emotional support to breastfeeding mothers instead of creating unnecessary doubts or pressure.

She reserved special words of encouragement for mothers caring for their babies, acknowledging the commitment of women who continue breastfeeding, including during the quiet hours of the night.

“You are giving your child their first and best gift,” she said, assuring mothers that UNICEF, its partners and government remain committed to supporting them in giving every child the healthiest possible start in life.