The Department of Community Health at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, marked the World Breastfeeding Week from August 1st to 7th, 2024.
The celebration, held at the Urban Comprehensive Health Center, Eleyele, emphasised the crucial role of breastfeeding and the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life.
Key messages included feeding babies every 2-3 hours, recognising signs of hunger, and ensuring proper positioning during feeding.
In her address, Prof. Mrs Olayinka Olasode, Head of the Medical Women in Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, highlighted the importance of breastfeeding and proper maternal nutrition to support infant health and development.
She advised mothers to be cautious about the medications they give their babies and stressed the importance of a well-balanced diet for breastfeeding mothers.
Prof. Mrs Perpetual Obianjuwa, in her goodwill message, encouraged mothers at the Eleyele clinic to regularly monitor their babies’ growth to ensure healthy development.
She also mentioned that night breastfeeding can enhance milk production.
The Physician-in-Charge of the Urban Comprehensive Health Centre, Eleyele, Dr. Temitope Ojo, emphasised the need for breastfeeding mothers to attend regular check-ups and develop good breastfeeding habits.
He also expressed appreciation to the lactating mothers for participating in the event.
Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Mrs Adeola Fagbamila, added that babies naturally prefer breast milk, and it is the responsibility of mothers to encourage their infants to breastfeed.
The event also featured the Head of Community Health Nursing, OAUTHC Mrs Veronica Adeyemi and Mrs Kikelomo Famakinde, the unit administrator, who underscored the importance of bonding with babies during breastfeeding.
The event concluded with a lively celebration, including dancing and presenting awards to the “Babies of the Year” at the clinic. The awardees were Adesewa Adeyemi, Innocent Baby, and Faridat Odewole.
