At an event to commemorate the 2020 World Breastfeeding Day in Abuja Tuesday, the minister observed that “breastfeeding benefits mothers” by helping to prevent postpartum bleeding, to support child spacing, and to lower the risk of cancers and earlier return to pre-pregnancy body weight.

According to Ehanire, breast milk, which is cheap, natural and environment-friendly, provides stronger immunity for babies and reduces childhood illnesses, as it does not draw on any resource or create pollution.

Studies show that obesity rates are 15 to 30 per cent lower in breastfed babies compared to formula-fed babies, he added.

However, he regretted that despite the benefits, the breastfeeding indices in the country were below optimal.

The Federal Ministry of Health recommends breastfeeding within an hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond.

“The National Zero Water Campaign was launched during the 2019 World Breastfeeding Week to educate Nigerians on the need to give babies only breast milk, and no other liquid, in the first six months of life. The campaign is ongoing in several states,” the minister noted.