Lagos: A Paediatrician, Dr. Temitayo Ishola, has urged mothers to breastfeed babies every two hours for 30 to 45 minutes to ensure effective breastfeeding. Ishola, Head of the Paediatric Department at General Hospital, Ebute-Meta, made the call during the hospital’s 2026 World Breastfeeding Week lecture for nursing mothers and pregnant women.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, World Breastfeeding Week is a global campaign observed annually from August 1 to August 7, commencing in 1992. It was established by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) to commemorate the 1990 Innocenti Declaration by WHO and UNICEF promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding. The 2026 theme is: ‘Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthens What Already Works.’
Ishola emphasized that adequate breastfeeding could prevent unnecessary crying and discourage the early introduction of infant formula. She recommended exclusive breastfeeding, explaining that babies’ intestines are tender and absorb breastmilk better than other foods. Breastmilk contains all necessary nutrients for growth, cognitive development, and immunity, eliminating the need for formula or water.
She addressed misconceptions about colostrum, the thick yellowish milk produced during the first one to five days, which some mistakenly consider spoiled. Ishola clarified that colostrum is beneficial, providing the essential nutrients a baby needs and acting as the baby’s first vaccine. She also dispelled the myth that getting pregnant while breastfeeding negatively affects the baby or mother, advising discontinuation only on health grounds and medical advice.
Mrs. Victoria Joel, Chief Nursing Officer and Head of the Child Welfare Clinic, highlighted the importance of attending antenatal clinics, where breastfeeding education begins. She advised mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding, warning that introducing water or formula before six months diminishes breastmilk’s nutritional benefits.
Reflecting on the 2026 theme, Mrs. Opeyemi Ede, Chief Nursing Officer II, emphasized exclusive breastfeeding for six months with continued breastfeeding and complementary feeding until two years. Ede stated the significance of initiating breastfeeding early, as delayed initiation might affect milk flow. She encouraged breastfeeding on demand to increase milk production and proper baby positioning to ensure good attachment and prevent back pain.
She urged mothers to consume nutritious meals, stay hydrated, and seek support from healthcare providers, family, and friends to sustain effective breastfeeding. Ede listed breastfeeding benefits, including improved brain development, stronger immunity, natural family planning, uterine contraction, and reduced hospital visits.
Dr. Chukwubundom Nwobodo, Medical Officer of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, noted that breastfeeding benefits both mother and child by providing colostrum, serving as natural contraception, and strengthening the maternal bond.
Dr. Yetunde Abodunrin, Senior Medical Officer of the General Out-Patient Department, advised mothers using breast pumps to maintain proper hygiene, noting that breastmilk can be safely stored in a refrigerator for four days. She suggested that women with inverted nipples begin massage and cleaning during pregnancy.
Nursing mothers and a pregnant woman shared their insights with NAN, expressing that the lecture improved their understanding of exclusive breastfeeding. Mrs. Ifeoma Iredu, a nursing mother, learned valuable lessons and planned to apply them. Mrs. Basirat Idris, a trader, appreciated the lecture’s guidance on expressing and storing breastmilk. Mrs. Adenike Adeyanju, a pregnant woman, committed to practicing exclusive breastfeeding due to its benefits.