A paediatrician, Temitayo Ishola, has urged mothers to breastfeed babies every two hours for 30-45 minutes to ensure effective breastfeeding.

Ms 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.

World Breastfeeding Week is a global campaign observed annually from August 1 to August 7, having commenced 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.”

Ms Ishola said adequate breastfeeding would prevent unnecessary crying and discourage the early introduction of infant formula.

She said exclusive breastfeeding was recommended because babies’ intestines were tender and absorbed breastmilk better than other foods.

According to her, breastmilk contains all nutrients required for growth, cognitive development and immunity, eliminating the need for formula or water.

“I want to correct the misconception about colostrum, which is the thick yellowish milk produced during the first one to five days. People often refer to it as spoiled milk because of its colour. It is not bad.

“It is the best milk. It contains everything the baby needs to grow healthy for months and serves as the baby’s first vaccine.

“Another misconception is getting pregnant while breastfeeding. It does not affect the baby or the mother. A pregnant nursing mother should discontinue breastfeeding only on health grounds and on her doctor’s advice,” she said.

Also speaking, Victoria Joel, chief nursing officer and head, Child Welfare Clinic, stressed the importance of attending antenatal clinics.

According to her, breastfeeding education begins during antenatal care, where mothers learn techniques, lactation support and how to manage breastfeeding challenges.

She advised mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding, warning that introducing water or formula before six months reduced breastmilk’s nutritional benefits.

Reflecting on the 2026 theme, Opeyemi Ede, chief nursing officer II, said it emphasised exclusive breastfeeding for six months and complementary feeding with continued breastfeeding until two years.

Ms Ede said understanding breastfeeding benefits and initiating breastfeeding early were essential for effective breastfeeding.

“Breastfeeding should begin within the first hour of life. Delayed initiation may affect milk flow.

“Breastfeed on demand because frequent sucking increases milk production. Position your baby properly to ensure good attachment and prevent back pain.

“Eat nutritious meals and drink plenty of fluids to support milk production. Breastmilk contains 87 to 88 per cent water. Let us continue advocating exclusive breastfeeding to give every child the best start in life,” she said.

She urged mothers to rest adequately and seek support from healthcare providers, family and friends to sustain effective breastfeeding.

Ms Ede listed benefits of breastfeeding to include improved brain development, stronger immunity, natural family planning, uterine contraction and reduced hospital visits.

Speaking on the importance of breastfeeding, Chukwubundom Nwobodo, medical officer in the obstetrics and gynaecology department, said breastfeeding remains beneficial to both mother and child.

“Breastfeeding provides colostrum, serves as natural contraception and strengthens the bond between mother and child,” he said.

Commenting on breast pumps, Yetunde Abodunrin, senior medical officer, general out-patient department, advised mothers expressing breastmilk to maintain proper hygiene.

“Breastmilk can be safely stored in a refrigerator for four days.

“Women with inverted nipples should begin massage and cleaning during pregnancy,” she said.

Some nursing mothers and a pregnant woman said that the lecture had improved their understanding of exclusive breastfeeding.

Ifeoma Iredu, a nursing mother, said she learnt valuable lessons and would apply them.

“Breastmilk should be given on demand. The more the baby sucks, the more milk the mother produces,” she said.

Basirat Idris, a trader, said the lecture addressed her concerns as a working mother by teaching proper expression and storage of breastmilk.

Adenike Adeyanju, a pregnant woman, said she would practise exclusive breastfeeding because of its benefits. 

(NAN)