In Bauchi State, a group of breastfeeding mothers revealed on Friday that they are struggling to maintain a balanced diet, essential for exclusive breastfeeding, due to the surge in food prices.
This revelation came as NAIJATRAFFIC Learnt that, the state government, international partners, and stakeholders launched an awareness campaign for the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week.
The mothers explained that the current economic climate has made it impossible for them to afford nutrient-rich foods like meat, chicken, fish, and vegetables, which are vital for new mothers.
Among them was 28-year-old Mrs. Nuratu Maigari, a mother of a three-month-old baby, who shared her concerns about the challenges of sustaining exclusive breastfeeding.
”I fear that this age-long tradition of breastfeeding a baby for at least six months exclusively, may not continue due to the present economic hardship.
”I breastfed two other children exclusively and that was a life-sharing experience. I cannot do that with this baby due to the present hardship.
”It is important for a new mother to eat meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans and vegetables at least two to three times per day so that she can have enough milk for the baby and energy for herself.”
According to Mrs. Nuratu Maigari, breastfeeding mothers experience increased hunger and thirst, and consuming a nutritious diet significantly impacts the quantity and quality of their milk production.
Another new mother, Mrs. Jamila Usman, shared her struggles, revealing that she and her family often go without daily meals due to financial difficulties, making it challenging to maintain a healthy diet while breastfeeding.
”I will have to start introducing water for my baby. I cannot do the exclusive breastfeeding as I was advised during my antenatal,” she said.
Asabe Umar, a first-time mother, shared with NAIJATRAFFIC that she was advised at the antenatal clinic to exclusively breastfeed her baby for the initial six months, followed by continued breastfeeding for at least a year or more.
”My baby is just two months. It has not been easy on my husband because he is the only one providing for us now.
”I was told that the foods I eat while breastfeeding are important for my health and my baby’s. I was told to eat meat, eggs, beans and vegetables, Where will we get money for me to eat these food for six months?”, she lamented.
Mrs Talatu Mahmoud, a new mother, told NAIJATRAFFIC, ”I knew I was going to have my baby in July. So, I used my empty sacks and buckets to plant vegetables to take advantage of the rainy season.
”I planted ‘Ugu’, bitter leaf, water leaf, moringa and tomatoes so that no matter how little food I get, I will simply add all my vegetables which are very important for a breastfeeding mother.”
Mr. Abdurrazak Shehu, the officer in charge of the Federal Low-Cost Primary Health Centre, informed NAIJATRAFFIC that the facility educates women on nutrition and simple gardening techniques during antenatal, postnatal, and immunization sessions to enhance their household’s diet.
He reported that the centre saw an increase in exclusive breastfeeding cases, with 31 babies recorded in June 2024 and 40 in July 2024, indicating that mothers are heeding the exclusive breastfeeding campaigns despite economic challenges.
