In Enugu, More Nursing Mothers Abandoning Exclusive Breastfeeding

Investigation by THE WHISTLER in Enugu has revealed that many nursing mothers are quitting exclusive breastfeeding.

A majority of them blame the current economic hardship for their decision.

However, most husbands whose nursing wives have switched to canned baby foods say the new trend is contributing to their economic woes as the baby foods are expensive.

A mother, Josephine Mbeke, who is a trader, told our correspondent that, “I did exclusive for my three children. But the fourth one is not so lucky. Things are difficult. I can’t sustain the pressure of breastfeeding and carrying out my foodstuffs trading at the same time.

“Before now, my husband could cater for our basic needs. Today, his income has dwindled. So, I supplement breastfeeding with akamu mixed with some special ingredients that make it rich in nutrients.”

On the cost implications, she said, “I don’t buy expensive ones. I know that some baby foods cost N7, 500; others N2, 800.”

Joy Kelechi, nursing a two months old baby, said, “I can’t do it. This baby is my first child. But it is difficult to sustain breastfeeding every two hours or less. With tinned baby foods, she is fed and she sleeps off. Then I can do other things.”

For Claret Odoh, “I think there is no difference between the two ways. I have seen those that were breastfed and those that were not. They have the same thinking capacity when well motivated. I think it simply requires being hygienic.

“My husband is complaining but I don’t have an option. I need to find a job to complement his efforts.”

Oliver Ossai, a farmer, said the development is causing more hardship. In his words, “Before now, husbands are on six months’ leave from spending to feed their new-born babies. Today, our nursing mothers are gradually returning to the old ways without reasonably contributing to the economy of the house.

“Even nursing mothers who are well-fed are toeing the same line. They simply create artificial burden for the men because the minimum tin of NAN, for example, costs about N3, 000.

“The change also increases the disposal of pampers of babies as they excrete more. All these solely on top of the head of most men.”