By Christopher Ambe
The decision by some healthy mothers- especially young ones,
not to subject their new born-babies to exclusive breast feeding has been
condemned by health professionals.
Speaking to journalists at a media sensitization conference in Buea last August
27, on the occasion of World
Breastfeeding Week 2012, organized by the Southwest Delegation of Public
Health in collaboration with UNICEF,it emerged that the benefits of exclusive
breastfeeding to the baby, mother, the family and the society as a whole ,are quite numerous.
The sensitization week
was placed under the theme “Exclusive
Breast Feeding, Not Even Water for the First Six Months of Your Baby’s Life”
 |
| Some journalists with Dr.Ejigui (carrying red bag) after meeting. |
It has been observed that among other reasons some healthy young
mothers choose not subject their new-born babies to exclusive breast feeding
for fear that their breasts would become flaccid very soon.
But Dr. Ejigui Jeanne, of UNICEF Yaounde, who was one of the
resource persons at the conference, insisted that mothers must consider the
health of their babies first, and not worry about falling breasts.
Asked what mothers who just give birth should do when they realize
that their breast milk is not flowing, Dr.Ejigui advised that new born babies
be allowed to suck the nipples. She said sucking stimulates the breasts to
produce milk.
She said mothers should start breast feeding in the first
hour after birth, noting that, “Early breast feeding helps reduce bleedings”and
that “Colostrum, the first yellow milk is good for the baby because it helps
protect the baby against diseases and eliminates black stools”
On how new born babies be suckled, Dr. Ejigui recommended “Breast
feed on demand”
She said after six
months of exclusive breastfeeding, the child should gradually be given
appropriate nutrients in addition to breast milk.
On his part, Mr.Epie
Gerald, nutritionist, working at the Southwest Delegation of Public Health,
enumerated the various benefits of exclusive breast feeding.
According to him, for the baby, during the first six months
of life, breast milk: provides enough water and all nutrients the baby needs
for proper growth; is easily digested by the baby; protects the baby against
infections thanks to antibodies that it contains; creates and reinforces affective
links between mother and child and helps an harmonious brain development of the
child.
For the mother, the nutritionist said exclusive breast
feeding “reduces the risks of breast and ovarian cancer”; reduces obesity and
weight gain risks and that exclusive breast feeding also acts as a
contraceptive.
Looking at the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to the
family and society, Mr. Epie said it helps achieve savings, reinforces social
cohesion and reduces mortality rates.
The conference was
opened by Dr.Bedifeh Atembeh, representing the Southwest Delegate for Public
Health. Dr.Bedifeh Atembeh is head of Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI)
at the Delegation. He called on journalists to regularly educate the public on
the importance of exclusive breastfeeding
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