The WHO and UNICEF recommends early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; and introduction of nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond (WHO, 2016). This allows infants and young children to meet evolving nutritional requirements necessary for optimal growth, development and good health.
In 1994, both Ghana and Nigeria had both exclusive breastfeeding rates of 7.4, but by 2013 Ghana increased to 63 per cent.
In Nigeria, it is disheartening to know that according to the 2014 National Nutrition and Health Survey, only 25 per cent of mothers exclusively breastfed from 0-6 months of age.
The lack of progress in exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria denies millions of newborns in Nigeria the benefits of breast milk. Research has shown that an exclusively breastfed child is 14 times less likely to die in the first six months than a non-breastfed child and that breastfeeding drastically reduces deaths from acute respiratory infection and diarrhea; two major child killer diseases.
Presently, there is a large number of women in the workforce due to the poor economic status of the country and their willingness to to practice exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is hindered as a result of a minimal maternity leave of absence (3 months).
"Breastfeeding is not only the cornerstone of a child's healthy development; it is also the foundation of a country's development." - UNICEF & WHO
Therefore, we advocate for an increase in the maternity leave of women in both formal and informal sectors to 6 months and urge the Government of Nigeria to include a budget line for nutrition in the health sector budget.
It really does take the whole village to make a super baby!!!
JOIN US sign the petition to get the Nigerian Government to ACT
Updates
July 25, 2017
The focus of this campaign has shifted toward drafting a formal proposal for extended maternity leave policies. While the current legislative climate presents challenges, the testimonies shared here confirm that policy change is an urgent necessity for the well-being of Nigerian families.
July 25, 2017
The momentum generated by this petition has surpassed my initial expectations. It is clear that the need to expand maternity leave is a priority for many families across Nigeria. I am currently preparing to present this significant level of public support to the relevant authorities.
37 Comments
I support exclusive breastfeeding,its benefits to the child, the mother and the society at large is worth it. Six months maternity leave is the best bet to achieving this.
Every child deserves to be exclusively breastfed. That genius of tomorrow emanates from the adequate nutrition and care received as an infant. Mothers should be encouraged to help build the future of this nation.
Is it not a doubt or assumption that exclusive breastfeeding is greatly affected by insufficient time for maternity leave. Mothers finds it difficult to breastfeed their wards after a hard day work. Consideration should also be given to the less privileged or illitrate through public englightment and provision of basic needs through the Hospital, health centres or clinics.
I did it and it really works for my children. Breast Feeding is the best legacy.
I stand with actions to improve child survival and development in Nigeria, I therefore strongly support the inclusion of budget for nutrition.
Breastfeeding is a fundamental right of a child
Breast feeding helps the baby to overcome diseases.
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The WHO and UNICEF recommends early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; and introduction of nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond (WHO, 2016). This allows infants and young children to meet evolving nutritional requirements necessary for optimal growth, development and good health.
In 1994, both Ghana and Nigeria had both exclusive breastfeeding rates of 7.4, but by 2013 Ghana increased to 63 per cent.
In Nigeria, it is disheartening to know that according to the 2014 National Nutrition and Health Survey, only 25 per cent of mothers exclusively breastfed from 0-6 months of age.
The lack of progress in exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria denies millions of newborns in Nigeria the benefits of breast milk. Research has shown that an exclusively breastfed child is 14 times less likely to die in the first six months than a non-breastfed child and that breastfeeding drastically reduces deaths from acute respiratory infection and diarrhea; two major child killer diseases.
Presently, there is a large number of women in the workforce due to the poor economic status of the country and their willingness to to practice exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is hindered as a result of a minimal maternity leave of absence (3 months).
"Breastfeeding is not only the cornerstone of a child's healthy development; it is also the foundation of a country's development." - UNICEF & WHO
Therefore, we advocate for an increase in the maternity leave of women in both formal and informal sectors to 6 months and urge the Government of Nigeria to include a budget line for nutrition in the health sector budget.
It really does take the whole village to make a super baby!!!
JOIN US sign the petition to get the Nigerian Government to ACT
Updates
July 25, 2017
The focus of this campaign has shifted toward drafting a formal proposal for extended maternity leave policies. While the current legislative climate presents challenges, the testimonies shared here confirm that policy change is an urgent necessity for the well-being of Nigerian families.
July 25, 2017
The momentum generated by this petition has surpassed my initial expectations. It is clear that the need to expand maternity leave is a priority for many families across Nigeria. I am currently preparing to present this significant level of public support to the relevant authorities.
37 Comments
This is a good initiative.Exclusive breastfeeding ensures optimal development of the Nigerian Mother and Child.The Nigerian Government should not have a "hard time" increasing the maternity leave of women in both informal and formal sectors to six{6} months and even including a budget line for nutrition.However I am concerned about the employability of women in the workforce after maternity leave. Shouldn't this be addressed as well?
I support exclusive breastfeeding,its benefits to the child, the mother and the society at large is worth it. Six months maternity leave is the best bet to achieving this.
Every child deserves to be exclusively breastfed. That genius of tomorrow emanates from the adequate nutrition and care received as an infant. Mothers should be encouraged to help build the future of this nation.
Is it not a doubt or assumption that exclusive breastfeeding is greatly affected by insufficient time for maternity leave. Mothers finds it difficult to breastfeed their wards after a hard day work. Consideration should also be given to the less privileged or illitrate through public englightment and provision of basic needs through the Hospital, health centres or clinics.
I did it and it really works for my children. Breast Feeding is the best legacy.
I stand with actions to improve child survival and development in Nigeria, I therefore strongly support the inclusion of budget for nutrition.
Breastfeeding is a fundamental right of a child
Breast feeding helps the baby to overcome diseases.
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This is a good initiative.Exclusive breastfeeding ensures optimal development of the Nigerian Mother and Child.The Nigerian Government should not have a "hard time" increasing the maternity leave of women in both informal and formal sectors to six{6} months and even including a budget line for nutrition.However I am concerned about the employability of women in the workforce after maternity leave. Shouldn't this be addressed as well?