NAWOJ Lagos Marks World Breastfeeding Week
By Admin, Lagos
The Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has joined health advocates around the world to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week, with a call for greater support for nursing mothers and improved attention to maternal nutrition.
The association, aligning its activities with this year’s theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” said successful breastfeeding goes beyond the mother’s ability to nurse her baby, stressing that her physical, emotional and nutritional wellbeing must also be prioritised.
According to NAWOJ Lagos, exclusive breastfeeding requires nursing mothers to have access to nutritious and affordable foods, adequate rest, emotional support and assistance from family members and healthcare providers.
The association also highlighted the challenges faced by women who have to balance household responsibilities with childcare and breastfeeding.
It called for increased community education on affordable, locally sourced foods that can support maternal nutrition, while urging families to provide practical assistance to reduce the physical and emotional burden on breastfeeding mothers.
To sustain awareness beyond World Breastfeeding Week, NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson, Jumoke Falayi Johnson, announced the designation of August as “NAWOJ Lagos Breastfeeding Awareness Month.”
“To maintain an ongoing dialogue throughout the season, NAWOJ Lagos designates August as the ‘NAWOJ Lagos Breastfeeding Awareness Month,’” Johnson said.
She explained that the association would use the month to publish and distribute original reports, expert opinions and educational materials across broadcast, print and digital platforms, with a focus on maternal nutrition and early childhood wellbeing.
Speaking further on the importance of supporting nursing mothers, Mrs. Johnson said families and communities must recognise that the health of a child is closely linked to the wellbeing of the mother.
“A mother cannot sustain her child’s health if her own body lacks basic nutrients and rest. Real support requires that families and neighbourhood health centres actively look after the mother’s diet, peace of mind and physical strength,” she said.
Johnson added that breastfeeding should not be treated as a responsibility that mothers have to handle alone.
“Breastfeeding should be a shared effort within the home, not an isolating burden,” she added.
Throughout August, NAWOJ Lagos said it would focus on practical ways to promote maternal nourishment and create healthier environments for mothers and children.
The association also called on primary healthcare providers, community leaders, non-governmental organisations and families across Lagos State to prioritise maternal nutrition and provide supportive environments that can promote the long-term health and wellbeing of both mothers and children.