This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week from August 1st to 7th, it is essential to highlight the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for newborns. According to UNICEF and WHO, breastfeeding is a baby's first vaccine, boosting immunity against diseases.
On August 5th, 2019, Nyakundi Report spoke with Nurse Faith Njeru from Pumwani hospital, who emphasized the benefits of breastfeeding. 'Breast milk has proteins, vitamins, and amino globulins, which are crucial in boosting the infant's immunity.'
However, breastfeeding doesn't come as easily to all mothers. Mama Mboga from Clay City, Kasarani, shared her experience raising her 9-month-old daughter. 'When I started breastfeeding, my nipples were really sore, but my mother-in-law guided me on the proper way to breastfeed. The pain eventually subsided.'
Nurse Faith from Pumwani Hospital advised, 'Breastfeeding should not be painful to any mother. If at all a mother is experiencing cracked nipples or any pain, your attachment of the baby is the problem. The baby should suckle on the entire nipple, not just the tip.'
According to nutritionist Samwel Otieno, a mother needs to drink plenty of fluids, including tea, plain water, milk, and cocoa, to boost milk production. He also recommended that breastfeeding mothers avoid coffee, sodas, and processed juices.
With two in every five infants in Kenya not being exclusively fed on breast milk, it is crucial that we support breastfeeding mothers at home, in the workplace, and everywhere else. If all children were optimally breastfed until the age of two, 800,000 children's lives could be saved every year.
