Dietitian calls for breastfeeding friendly spaces to support mothers

A Dietitian, Mr Olushola Malomo, has urged stakeholders to create breastfeeding-friendly spaces and support systems to empower mothers to feed their babies.

Malomo, the Chief Dietitian at Ajeromi General Hospital in Lagos, made the appeal in an interview with our correspondent in commemoration of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), which runs annually from Aug. 1 to Aug. 7, 2025.

The 2025 theme is “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”.

The dietitian described breast milk as a “superpower” that nurtures, protects, and connects a mother and child, emphasising the need for safe breastfeeding spaces at home, in the workplace, and in public centers.

He identified its several benefits for infants, including optimal nutrition, immune protection, a lower risk of illness, and enhanced cognitive development.

Malomo highlighted a troubling national statistic, noting that only 29 per cent of Nigerian infants under six months were exclusively breastfed, and called for urgent action to increase this rate.

“The 2025 WBW is a powerful reminder of the life-changing benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child.

“Breast milk is perfectly tailored to meet a baby’s nutritional needs; it is rich in antibodies, especially immunoglobulin A which helps fight off infections and builds a strong immune system.

“Breastfeeding fosters a deep emotional connection between mother and child and improves the brain development of the child,” he told NAN.

Malomo noted that breastfeeding mothers also benefited from feeding their babies exclusively.

According to him, the mother’s uterus contracts and returns to its pre-pregnancy size with breastfeeding and it also helps to reduce postpartum bleeding.

He called for concerted efforts to support exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding, alongside complementary foods for up to two years as recommended by the World Health Organisation.

“We need more awareness to engage fathers and extended family members in child care and household duties.

“Employers must offer flexible schedules, part-time and telecommuting options for nursing mothers and engage the HR teams on breastfeeding rights and supportive best practices in the work place,” he said.