Consultant Paediatrician, Dr. Bessie Eziechila, Tells Ideal Duration For Breastfeeding And Its Benefits

Dr. Bessie Eziechila, the Consultant Paediatrician with Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, while stressing on the gains of breastfeeding described breastfeeding as a non-negotiable aspect of childcare, adding that “it is a roadmap to healthy society’’.

Exclusive breastfeeding which is described as the best feeding option for newborns also helps in family planning by slowing the return of ovulation, according to pediatricians.

Eziechila told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday that “two years is the complete, adequate period and ideal for breastfeeding a child.’’ This is in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended practice of up to two years and beyond for breastfeeding.

Eziechila also urged working mothers to explore necessary avenues of breastfeeding their children for their wellbeing, saying:

“working mothers can express breast milk and store for varying number of hours depending on the mode of storage.

Their work environment can also be made baby-friendly to enable them breastfeed at work, I mean when they resume from maternity leave,”

Eziechila said.

Medical experts agree that children exclusively breastfed tend to be healthier and more intelligent than others. According to Eziechieli, the recommended two years of breastfeeding is the normal duration for the advantage of both child and mother.