Ms Okunowo said hard labour, stress, and anxiety also reduced breast milk production.
Ms Ogunyemi said the state government is working assiduously to address the 14 per cent low rate of early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.
WHO recommends that skin-to-skin contact, also known as “kangaroo mother care,” should begin immediately after these little ones take their first breath.
“There is evidence today that every N1,000 invested in supporting optimal breastfeeding can generate an estimated N35,000 in economic returns for Nigeria,” said the UN expert.
“I hope my message appeals to the right audience as a God-given opportunity,” Mrs Masari stressed.
Mr Conteh explained that fewer than half of all newborn babies “are breastfed in the first hour of life.”
