Breastfeeding Is Nigeria’s Strongest Bond – Experts Say It’s More Than Food

Nigeria joined the world to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2026, and health experts didn’t hold back. They made it clear: breastfeeding is not just about feeding a baby. It is the foundation for a healthy start, stronger immunity, and a lifelong emotional bond between mother and child.

At a community outreach held at Majidun Primary Health Centre in Ikorodu, Lagos State, professionals and advocates urged mothers to start breastfeeding early and stick with exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. They called it one of the most powerful public health tools we have to reduce infant illnesses and boost maternal health.

What Experts Say About Breastfeeding and Bonding

Mrs. Vivian Ihechu, President of the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN), didn’t mince words. She said breastfeeding is nature’s most sustainable and complete infant nutrition. The 2026 theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthens What Already Works,” is a call to protect proven practices while helping mothers overcome challenges.

“Breastfeeding is nature’s perfect gift. It requires no industrial manufacturing or packaging, providing sustainable, perfect nutrition without harming our environment,” Ihechu said.

She urged mothers to put babies to the breast within the first hour after birth. That first milk, colostrum, is like a baby’s first vaccine. “Colostrum is packed with powerful antibodies that protect newborns from infections,” she explained. Early breastfeeding also helps mothers by reducing the risk of excessive bleeding after delivery.

Exclusive Breastfeeding: The First Six Months Are Key

Ihechu encouraged exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. She stressed that breast milk contains over 80% water and all the nutrients a baby needs. “Your front milk satisfies thirst, while the rich back milk satisfies hunger and promotes steady weight gain,” she said.

This practice supports brain development, cuts childhood obesity risks, and strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby. For mothers, it lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Nurse Janet Otah, Chief Nursing Officer at Majidun Primary Health Centre, backed this up. She described breast milk as a complete meal designed for infants. “Breast milk contains all the nutrients and water a baby needs during the first six months,” Otah said. She added that babies don’t need water, herbal mixtures, or teas during this period.

Breastfeeding Saves Money and Builds Stronger Families

Otah highlighted the economic benefits too. Breastfeeding helps families avoid the cost of infant formula while providing superior nutrition. She advised mothers to continue breastfeeding up to two years and beyond after introducing complementary foods from six months. “Breastfeeding alone is no longer enough after six months. Complementary feeding becomes necessary for continued growth and development,” she said.

She also acknowledged the challenges working mothers face but praised the Lagos State Government for offering six months maternity leave. That move, she said, supports exclusive breastfeeding.

The Emotional Connection: More Than Just Milk

Mrs. Ifeoma Ibe, Co-Founder of She Arises Foundation, took it deeper. She said breastfeeding goes beyond nutrition. It strengthens the physical and psychological bond between mother and child. “Breastfeeding is not just about providing nourishment. It is the foundation for emotional, physical and psychological attachment between a mother and her baby,” Ibe said.

She encouraged mothers to turn every breastfeeding session into a bonding moment. Hold the baby close, make eye contact, talk, pray, and show affection. “These simple acts create lasting memories and strengthen the emotional bond between mother and child,” she said.

Ibe advised mothers to eat healthy using affordable local foods like beans, vegetables, crayfish, and rice to support milk production. She urged those facing difficulties to seek help from experienced mothers, healthcare workers, and health facilities.

Breastfeeding Is a Shared Responsibility

The experts made one thing clear: breastfeeding is not just a mother’s job. It is a shared responsibility that needs support from families, communities, healthcare providers, and government institutions. They urged mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, continue alongside complementary feeding up to two years and beyond, and see every breastfeeding moment as an investment in their child’s future.

The outreach also gave mothers practical tips on proper latching positions, hygiene, and breast care. This is Africa rising, one strong bond at a time.