Policy must drive exclusive breastfeeding
Breastmilk is widely recognised by health experts as the optimal food for babies' healthy growth and development.
Rich in essential nutrients and energy, breastmilk offers numerous benefits for both mothers and babies.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) have recommended breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months.
This recommendation underscores the importance of breastmilk in providing babies with the best possible start in life.
According to UNICEF, babies can be introduced to supplementary foods at six months while continuing to breastfeed up to two years or beyond.
Breastmilk is considered ideal for infants due to its safety, cleanliness and antibody content which protects against common illnesses like diarrhoea and pneumonia.
In Ghana, UNICEF highlights that breastmilk also shields babies from infections, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome.
Exclusive breastfeeding supports brain development, leading to higher intelligence test scores in children and adolescents.
Additionally, breastmilk is always ready, fresh and at the perfect temperature for babies.
The benefits of breastfeeding extend significantly to mothers.
According to health experts, breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of postpartum depression, breast cancer and ovarian cancer in nursing mothers months after childbirth.
Additionally, it can help increase the interval between pregnancies.
These advantages underscore the critical role breastfeeding plays in enhancing both maternal and infant health outcomes, making it a vital practice for the well-being of both
To commemorate World Breastfeeding Week which is celebrated annually in the first week of August, the Daily Graphic joins the global community in advocating exclusive breastfeeding for all babies under six months.
This year's theme, "Prioritise Breastfeeding, Create Sustainable Support Systems," emphasises the importance of trained health workers, supportive policies and community involvement in promoting breastfeeding.
By prioritising breastfeeding and creating sustainable support systems, we can ensure that mothers and babies receive the benefits of this life-changing practice.
The Daily Graphic aligns with WHO's stance that breastfeeding paves the way for a brighter future for both children and societies.
By reducing healthcare costs, enhancing cognitive development and strengthening economies, breastfeeding sets children up for success.
We urge all mothers to adopt breastfeeding for their own well-being, and more importantly, for the health and development of their children.
As we highlight the benefits of breastfeeding, it's equally crucial to investigate what prevents some mothers from breastfeeding their children effectively.
Some mothers are unaware of the full benefits of breastmilk, leading them to introduce supplementary foods too early, contrary to exclusive breastfeeding recommendations.
Misconceptions, particularly among older generations persist, with some believing breastmilk alone is insufficient for babies.
These misconceptions often result in pressure on younger mothers to supplement breastmilk with water and baby foods.
The Daily Graphic believes that child welfare clinics or weighing sessions provide an ideal platform to educate mothers and dispel the misconceptions about breastmilk, promoting informed choices and better infant care practices.
Child welfare clinics offer a prime opportunity for education, as both nursing mothers and grandmothers often attend with their babies.
Moreover, regulating baby formula is crucial in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. International organisations have raised concerns about the marketing of these products.
The Daily Graphic is calling for stricter laws to govern the marketing of baby formula in the country.
Ensuring healthy children is a top priority, and it begins with supporting breastfeeding.
By prioritising breastmilk, parents can give their babies the best possible start in life, benefiting both families and the nation.
As we strive to build a robust and thriving nation, it's crucial to prioritise the well-being of all citizens, from toddlers to adolescents and adults alike.
By focusing on the health and development of every age group, we can create a society where no one is left behind, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.
