Lactating mothers in Bauchi State have expressed concern over their ability to maintain a balanced diet necessary for exclusive breastfeeding due to the soaring cost of foodstuffs.
In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), these mothers highlighted the challenges they face as the Bauchi State Government, international partners, and stakeholders intensify efforts to raise awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week.
Many mothers shared that the current economic climate has made it difficult to afford nutrient-rich foods like meat, chicken, fish, and vegetables, which are crucial for both their health and their babies’ development.
Mrs. Nuratu Maigari, a 28-year-old mother of a three-month-old baby, voiced her fears that the long-standing tradition of exclusively breastfeeding for at least six months may be in jeopardy due to financial constraints.
“I breastfed my other two children exclusively, and while it was a rewarding experience, I don’t think I can do the same with this baby because of the current hardship,” she said. “A new mother needs to eat well—meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and vegetables—two to three times a day to ensure enough milk for the baby and maintain her own energy levels.”
Mrs. Maigari added that breastfeeding increases a mother’s hunger and thirst, making a nutritious diet even more essential for sustaining milk supply.
Another mother, Mrs. Jamila Usman, shared the dire situation her family faces, stating that they can barely afford daily meals. “I’ll have to start giving my baby water. I can’t manage exclusive breastfeeding as advised during antenatal visits,” she lamented.
First-time mother Hajiya Asabe Umar echoed these sentiments, explaining that while she was instructed during antenatal care to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months and continue breastfeeding for 12 months or more, her family’s financial situation makes this challenging.
“My baby is just two months old, but it hasn’t been easy for my husband, who is now the sole provider,” she said. “I was told that my diet while breastfeeding is crucial for both my health and my baby’s, but where will we get the money for these foods?”
However, Mrs. Talatu Mahmoud, a new mother, has taken a proactive approach to ensure her diet remains nutritious despite the economic difficulties. “I knew I was due to have my baby in July, so I planted vegetables like Ugu, bitterleaf, waterleaf, moringa, and tomatoes to take advantage of the rainy season,” she explained. “No matter how little food I have, I can add these vegetables, which are vital for breastfeeding mothers.”
Mr. Abdurrazak Shehu, the officer in charge of the Federal Low-Cost Primary Health Centre, told NAN that during antenatal, postnatal, and immunization sessions, women are educated on nutrition and encouraged to improve their household diets through simple gardening techniques.
He reported that the facility recorded 31 exclusively breastfed babies in June 2024, with the number rising to 40 in July, indicating that despite economic challenges, many mothers are adhering to the campaigns promoting exclusive breastfeeding.
