Exclusive breastfeeding vital for child survival – Osun nutritionist

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

A nutritionist, Akeem Adedeji Shuti, has said that exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life is essential for child survival and healthy development.

Shuti, the Principal Nutrition Officer of the Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board, spoke at a one-day public enlightenment meeting on breastfeeding and nutrition for mothers and caregivers, organised by the Osun State Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment.

He stressed the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding, noting that mothers should be supported by health workers to put their babies to the breast within one hour of delivery to enable them to receive colostrum, which he described as the first immunisation for newborns.

According to him, colostrum protects babies from infections, helps prevent jaundice, and supports proper growth. He added that it should be followed by exclusive breastfeeding, where infants are fed only breast milk for the first six months.

Shuti noted that exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of infections and sudden infant death, promotes brain development, and fosters bonding between mother and child, while also offering health and economic benefits to mothers by reducing the need for infant formula.

Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Hon. Eniola Odeniyi, said the programme reflected the commitment of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration to addressing malnutrition in the State through awareness and education.

In her goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Development and Chairman of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition, Mrs. Yetunde Esan, said Osun State expects mothers and caregivers to comply strictly with exclusive breastfeeding practices.

Esan, who was represented by the Director of Development Corporation, Mr. Dauda Iyanda, noted that the State is performing well nationally in exclusive breastfeeding, which is one of the indicators used by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and UNICEF to assess food and nutrition outcomes.