The New Juaben North Municipal Health Directorate Sub District, Oyoko, marked World Breastfeeding Day with a significant event at the Oyoko Health Center in the Eastern Region of Ghana on Thursday, August 15th, 2024. The occasion brought together healthcare professionals, mothers, and community members to discuss the vital role of breastfeeding in the health and well-being of both infants and mothers.
During an interview with the media, Aunty Vida Tuffour, a Senior Midwife at the Oyoko Health Center, emphasized the critical importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life. She explained that exclusive breastfeeding is not only a natural and effective method of family planning, reducing the likelihood of unplanned pregnancies, but it also offers numerous health benefits that are essential for the growth and development of infants.
Aunty Vida highlighted that exclusive breastfeeding provides infants with all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Breast milk is uniquely tailored to meet the nutritional needs of infants, containing the right balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Moreover, it is easier for babies to digest compared to formula.
One of the most significant benefits of exclusive breastfeeding is its ability to boost the baby’s immune system. Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune-boosting factors that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses such as respiratory infections, diarrhea, and ear infections. This protective effect extends beyond infancy, reducing the risk of chronic conditions like asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes later in life.
Additionally, exclusive breastfeeding has been shown to promote cognitive development. Studies indicate that children who are exclusively breastfed tend to have higher IQ scores and better academic performance as they grow older. This is attributed to the essential fatty acids present in breast milk, which are crucial for brain development.
Exclusive breastfeeding also offers substantial health benefits for mothers. Aunty Vida noted that breastfeeding helps mothers recover more quickly after childbirth, as it stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes uterine contractions and reduces postpartum bleeding. Furthermore, exclusive breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation, providing a natural form of contraception known as lactational amenorrhea.
Breastfeeding also lowers the risk of certain cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer. The longer a mother breastfeeds, the greater her protection against these diseases. Additionally, breastfeeding contributes to postpartum weight loss, as it burns extra calories.
In addition to the health discussions, Mr. Ebenezer Acheampong, the New Juaben North Municipal officer for the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), addressed the rights of nursing mothers in the workplace. He emphasized the importance of creating a supportive work environment that respects the needs of nursing mothers, which is crucial for ensuring peaceful cohesion between employees and employers.
Mr. Acheampong demonstrated how employers can accommodate nursing mothers by providing flexible work hours, adequate break times for breastfeeding or expressing milk, and designated private spaces within the workplace. He explained that these practices not only comply with national labor laws but also contribute to the overall well-being of both the mother and the child, leading to improved job satisfaction and productivity.
He further noted that when nursing mothers are supported at work, they are more likely to continue breastfeeding exclusively for the recommended six months, thereby reaping the full benefits for their babies. By fostering such an environment, employers can contribute to the health of the next generation while ensuring a harmonious workplace.
The event at Oyoko Health Center underscored the need for community support in promoting and sustaining exclusive breastfeeding practices. Healthcare workers encouraged mothers to seek guidance and support from health facilities and emphasized the importance of creating breastfeeding-friendly environments at home and in public spaces.
In conclusion, Aunty Vida Tuffour and Mr. Ebenezer Acheampong urged all stakeholders—including mothers, employers, and community leaders—to work together in supporting breastfeeding mothers. The World Breastfeeding Day celebration at Oyoko Health Center served as a platform to educate and empower mothers, ensuring that more children in the New Juaben North Municipality receive the best possible start in life, while also fostering healthier and more supportive workplaces.
Credit: Nana Kwame George, Snr Freelance Journalist E/R
