Mothers and intending mothers have been advised to embrace exclusive breastfeeding of their babies especially at the first six months of their life.
They described breastmilk as an ideal meal for infants as it provides all the energy and nutrients needed for the first year of life.
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival.
However, contrary to the World Health Organization’s recommendations, no fewer than half of infants under 6 months old are exclusively breastfed.
According to statistics released by United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), in Nigeria, only one in every six babies under 6 months were exclusively breastfed.
The statistics also show that, exclusive breastfeeding is particularly uncommon in the North- West geopolitical zone, where the practice is four times less common than in the North -Central and South-West zones.
A Primary Health-Care Practitioner, Mrs Racheal Ajiboluwa said exclusive breast-feeding provides low cost, increases bonding between mother and child and also strengthens immunity against diseases.
She called on government to sensitize the public on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding of children under six months.
In the same vein, some mothers emphasized on the gains of exclusively breastfeeding babies noting that it is very helpful in their growth and development.
Mothers are however enjoined to breastfeed their babies exclusively while also been charged to eat healthy in the course of the nurturing period.