As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week 2026, a health advocate, Dr. Adeola Akinwunmi Ekine, has called for stronger and sustainable support systems for breastfeeding mothers.
Dr. Ekine made the call in a special edition of her podcast, Adeola Ekine, to commemorate the week, with the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
She said breastfeeding goes beyond feeding a child, stressing that it provides babies with the nutrition and protection needed for a healthy start in life.
Dr. Ekine emphasised the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, after which breastfeeding should continue alongside appropriate complementary foods.
She, however, cautioned against making breastfeeding a source of guilt for mothers who encounter challenges.
According to her, such mothers need accurate information, compassion, skilled assistance and adequate support rather than condemnation.
Dr. Ekine said the responsibility for creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment should not be left to mothers alone.
She urged fathers, family members, healthcare workers, employers, community leaders and government to play active roles in supporting breastfeeding mothers.
The health advocate particularly called for breastfeeding-friendly workplaces where nursing mothers can express and safely store breast milk and make reasonable arrangements to continue breastfeeding after returning from maternity leave.
Dr. Ekine also drew attention to the mental health of mothers after childbirth, urging families to watch out for signs of postpartum depression and other emotional challenges.
She said mothers experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, extreme tiredness, withdrawal or difficulty bonding with their babies should be encouraged to seek professional help.
Dr. Ekine further called for greater public education to tackle myths and misconceptions surrounding breastfeeding, urging mothers to seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals.
She said government policies on breastfeeding must move beyond paper to practical support in homes, hospitals, workplaces and communities.
Dr. Ekine also appealed for stronger collaboration among government agencies, healthcare institutions, civil society organisations, the media, employers and community leaders to promote breastfeeding and maternal wellbeing.
She stressed that breastfeeding may be carried out by mothers, but supporting breastfeeding is a collective responsibility.
Dr. Ekine urged Nigerians to move from awareness to action by strengthening healthcare, family and workplace support systems that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully.
She maintained that every child deserves a healthy start in life, while every mother deserves the information, protection, encouragement and practical support needed to provide that start.
