A’IBOM FIRST LADY ADVOCATES SET UP OF BREASTFEEDING CENTERS AT WORK PLACES FOR WORKING NURSING MOTHERS
By evangelist.com.ng edition, Sunday August 6, 2023. Like, share the link.
The wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, has made a case for breastfeeding centers to be set up at work places to encourage nursing mothers who are working to engage in 6-months exclusive breastfeeding as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Governor’s wife made this known Friday, during the flag-off of the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week tagged “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making A Difference for Working Parents,” at Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo.
Pastor Eno who noted that all women are natural caregivers, charged them to take the advocacy of exclusive breastfeeding to their respective localities, churches and work places.
While stating that proper breastfeeding breeds a healthy population, the First Lady who was represented at the event by Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, urged nursing mothers who are breastfeeding to wear comfortable clothes that allow them breastfeed their infants at any time.
She encouraged the mothers on the need for healthy hygiene, balanced diets and proper rest, saying this also reflects on the health status of their babies.
The Governor’s Wife further solicited the collaborative support of wives of Local Government Chairmen in spreading the message at the grassroots for effective sensitization.
Resource Persons, Prof Uwemedimbuk Ekanem and Dr. Idongesit Umo in their separate presentations, highlighted the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to babies, saying it makes them healthy and immune to sickness.
They also mentioned numerous benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother to include postpartum weight loss for the mother, lower risk of allergies, asthma, obesity, and chronic diseases for babies that may want to occur later in life. They concluded that breast milk is readily available, requires no preparation, and is more cost-effective compared to formula feeding.
In their separate goodwill messages, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Prof Augustine Umoh, the Chairperson of the Medical Womens’ Association of Nigeria Dr Ekaette Mbatt and the World Health Organisation representative, Dr. Clement Nwaeke, encouraged women to breastfeed their babies as ordained by God for their sustenace and enhanced immunity.
Applauding Pastor Patience Umo Eno for hosting such a wonderful event in line with the World Breastfeeding Week, they urged all the women to adhere to the teachings received.
Highpoint of the event was practical breastfeeding of babies by the nursing mothers and presentation of gift packs to nursing and expectant mothers. Two nursing mothers with very healthy babies, were celebrated at the ceremony and presented with gifts.
In attendance at the event were Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs. Enobong Mbobo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Offiong Offor, members of LEWA, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists Nsikak Okon and others.
