Nutritionist tasks mothers on exclusive breast feeding

The President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Mrs Goodness Chidi, has urged mothers to engage in exclusive breastfeeding of their babies, at least for six months, to reduce mortality.

Chidi made the call in an interview with our correspondent on Friday in Abuja.

According to her, initiation on exclusive breastfeeding has numerous immunological and nutritional benefits for newborns.

“Breast milk is baby’s first vaccine and is rich with immune and non-immune components, which resist infection and accelerate intestinal maturation in a child.

“We call on mothers to engage in exclusive breastfeeding for the prevention of diseases and proper upbringing of their children in the country.

“Research has proved that breastfeeding babies for the first two years would annually save the lives of children under the age five,” she said.

The nutritionist said exclusive breastfeeding was crucial for proper upbringing of children, adding that children well breastfed were healthier and more intelligent compared to infants who were given other substitutes.

She also advised lactating mothers to refrain from tobacco, alcohol and drugs, adding that illicit drugs and substance could pollute the breast milk.