According to her, the spouse, in particular, has a significant part to play in the process of making the pores of the nipples ready for the infant to feed prior to the antenatal care (ANC) or formative stage.
In a conversation that took place in Uyo on the occasion of the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week, Essien stated that the support of both the community and the family was essential in order to continue the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
According to Essien, who is a Director in the Ministry of Health, family members should encourage young women to feed their kids solely with breast milk during the first six months of their babies' lives in order to accelerate their babies' growth.
She said that the most advantageous method of caring for a newborn is Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF), which should begin thirty minutes after the delivery of the infant and continue for a period of six months.
The official in charge of public health services went on to say that prior to the delivery of the baby, a number of measures, in particular those performed during Ante Natal Care, should be taken to promote and support breastfeeding. Consuming a diet that is well-rounded is required for this.
"In addition to providing emotional and financial support, the husband has a responsibility before Antenatal Care (ANC) or the formative stage to suck the breast in order to open the pores of the nipples so that the baby can feed."Alternately, in the event that the spouse does not suckle, he ought to make the nipples open by pressing his fingers on them.
"In order to successfully promote breastfeeding, you will first need to reach a consensus on ideal things, most notably health education. This includes preparing the mother both psychologically and physically for the act of breastfeeding.In terms of the mother's body, she should be sure to eat healthily and massage her breasts regularly.This is due to the fact that certain pregnant women experience an enlargement of the nipples, which makes it harder for the infant to suckle if the mouth is closed when the nipples are being placed in the mouth by the baby.
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"Breastfeeding stimulates the brain, the nutrient in it boosts the immune system, and enhances growth of other parts of the body in a baby," Essien added. "Breastfeeding will make the baby to grow well physically and mentally without water."
Essien emphasized that women in positions of authority in the community and religious institutions have a responsibility to promote the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in the different fora in which they participate.
She did note, however, that the current status of the economy and the concern that some women have that their breasts may sag are factors that make breastfeeding more difficult.
Her recommendation to women who were expecting a child was that they always seek antenatal care so that they could receive health education. During this time, they would be instructed on the correct style of nursing, which would include how to place the infant when breastfeeding.
In order to prevent the infant from suffering from malnutrition, Essien encouraged breastfeeding women to make full use of the locally available food that is high in various nutrients.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), "Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents" would be the topic for World Breastfeeding Week in 2023. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the many advantages that come with providing assistance for breastfeeding in the workplace.
