Health workers and doctors in Benue State, led by Dr. Anthony Ajeh, a senior doctor at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi, have again encouraged mothers to breastfeed their babies only with breast milk for the first six months.
Speaking to our reporter after World Breastfeeding Week, Dr. Ajeh said breast milk is not just food — it also works like a vaccine, helping to protect babies from infections and childhood illnesses.
UNICEF and its partners launched the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week in Benue State on August 1st at BSUTH and the Yelwata IDP camp. They called on government and community leaders to support mothers and babies by promoting breastfeeding and creating long-term support systems.
Juliet Chiluwe, head of UNICEF’s Enugu office, said Benue State has not yet reached national and global goals for breastfeeding. Only 47% of babies are breastfed within the first hour of birth, and just 56.7% are exclusively breastfed for six months.
After the one-week event ended on August 7th, a visit to health centers in Makurdi showed that many mothers are following the advice on exclusive breastfeeding. Health workers also confirmed they help mothers start breastfeeding within minutes after birth.
Dr. Ajeh explained that exclusive breastfeeding helps prevent infections and strengthens the baby’s immune system. He said babies are most vulnerable when they are just born, so breastfeeding acts like a natural protection.
He also said breastfeeding helps mothers bond with their babies, supports brain development, and saves families money because they don’t need to buy formula milk.
Dr. Ajeh said many mothers are now practicing exclusive breastfeeding because they have been properly informed and counseled about its benefits.
He added that breast milk provides the best nutrition, which formula milk can’t match. It also benefits the community by saving resources, and mothers often choose to breastfeed once they understand how it helps prevent sickness.
He said BSUTH is a baby-friendly hospital. After birth, especially in natural deliveries, babies are placed on the mother’s chest, the breast is cleaned, and breastfeeding starts immediately. First-time mothers are shown how to breastfeed properly.
Mothers are taught how to recognize when the baby finishes one breast and when to switch to the other. They’re encouraged to let the baby get both the early milk (foremilk) and later milk (hindmilk), as both are important for full nutrition.
For mothers who have C-sections, breastfeeding still starts within 30 minutes because modern anesthesia allows mothers to recover quickly and stay alert.
Some mothers face challenges, like inverted nipples which make breastfeeding hard. In such cases, nurses use breast pumps and feed the baby with a cup and spoon, which still counts as exclusive breastfeeding.
Some mothers may feel sad or stressed and produce little milk. In these cases, hospital psychologists help the mother feel better, and she is encouraged to drink lots of fluids to improve milk production.
Dr. Ajeh also called for breastfeeding rooms in offices and public places so mothers can take time out to feed their babies. He said such spaces already exist at BSUTH.
Mrs. Felicia Ameh, a retired senior nurse, said even mothers who have C-sections should be supported to start breastfeeding within an hour after birth. This has become standard practice.
She explained that milk doesn’t come out at first unless the baby suckles. This sends a signal to the brain to start milk production. The first yellowish milk, called colostrum, is very rich and helps build the baby’s immune system.
Deborah Verve, head of a local health center, said they always teach pregnant women about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during clinic visits and after delivery. She said the first milk is especially good for baby growth and protection from disease.
Two breastfeeding mothers, Blessings Aande and Serah Dzeremo, shared their experiences. Serah said other mothers should try exclusive breastfeeding because it saves money.
Serah added that she has not spent any money on formula or medicine since giving birth. Her baby has not been sick and they only visit the hospital for vaccinations. She enjoys breastfeeding because it strengthens the bond with her baby.
