Exclusive breastfeeding has the potential to save more children’s lives than any other preventive intervention says  United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nutrition Specialist, Ada Ezeugo.

At a two day media advocacy programme held by UNICEF, in collaboration with National Orientation Agency, the Nutrition Specialist observed that in terms getting it right by nutrition in the first 1,000 Days exclusive breastfeeding has a crucial role to play.

She observed that breastfed children have at least 6 times greater chance of survival in the early months than non-breastfed children while an exclusively breastfed child is 14 times less likely to die in the first six months than a non-breastfed child.

She explained that an estimated 13% of child deaths could be averted if 90% of mothers exclusively breastfed their infants for the first six months of life.

“If the same proportion of mothers provided adequate and timely complementary feeding for their infants from 6 to 24 months, a further 6% of child deaths could be prevented”, she said.

The expert listed short-term health benefits of breastfeeding, as fewer infections , fewer gastrointestinal disorders , lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, emotional bonding & loving relationship between mother and baby while long-term health benefits are improved growth and development , higher IQ , lower risk of obesity, more emotionally secure improved cardiovascular disease through life , lower risk of childhood cancer (including leukemia) and lower risk of diabetes.

For mothers who give their babies water or any sort of concoction when they’re supposed to exclusively breastfeed the child , she explained that they must understand that the breast milk has all the water and what it takes to protect the child from diseases.

“In terms of water, when you look at the breast milk; the breast milk has been analysed. It has about 88 per cent of water, which means most of it is water and it’s just the remaining little quantity that is semi solid.

She however, observed that during pregnancy and lactation, women need to nourish their own bodies, as well as their growing babies.

She advised pregnant women to eat one extra small meal or “snack” (extra food between meals) each day to provide energy and nutrients for them and the growing baby.

” During pregnancy and breastfeeding, special nutrients will help your baby grow well and be healthy. Take iron-folate tablets to prevent anaemia during pregnancy and for at least 3 months after the birth of your baby birth.”

“Take deworming tablets to help prevent anaemia, as prescribed.To prevent malaria, sleep under a long lasting insecticide-treated mosquito net and take antimalarial tablets as prescribed. Limit the intake of sugary drinks during pregnancy. Drink clean water when you are thirsty.”

She maintained that breastfeeding should be initiated within one hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding should be continued for the first 6 months.

For mothers who have CS and are unable to breastfeed their child within the first to three days after birth she called on health workers to support such mothers and help them initiate early breast milk within one hour.

“The healthcare workers, especially those in the maternity ward or theatre where the baby is delivered need to be trained as to be able to support mothers and encourage them to initiate exclusive breastfeeding. CS should not be a hindrance to exclusive breastfeeding”, she said.

She therefore called on fathers, family members, community members, and influencers to support lactating mothers to practice early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, appropriate complementary feeding using nourishing foods plus breastfeeding for up 2 years and beyond.