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By Chioma Obinna Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, health experts have emphasised that breastfeeding goes beyond providing nourishment, describing it as the foundation for a healthy start in life, stronger immunity, optimal child development and a lifelong emotional bond between mother and baby. At a community outreach to mark the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week held at Majidun Primary Health Centre, Ikorodu, Lagos State, health professionals and advocates urged mothers to practise early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life. The experts said breastfeeding remains one of the most effective public health measures for reducing infant illnesses, strengthening child development and improving maternal health. Speaking at the event, President of the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN), Mrs. Vivian Ihechu, said breastfeeding represents nature’s most sustainable and complete form of infant nutrition. She said the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthens What Already Works,” highlights the need to protect proven breastfeeding practices while supporting mothers to overcome challenges. “Breastfeeding is nature’s perfect gift. It requires no industrial manufacturing or packaging, providing sustainable, perfect nutrition without harming our environment,” Ihechu said. She urged mothers to put babies to the breast immediately after birth, preferably within the first hour, explaining that the first breast milk, known as colostrum, acts as a baby’s first vaccine. “Colostrum is packed with powerful antibodies that protect newborns from infections,” she said. Ihechu explained that early breastfeeding also benefits mothers by helping the uterus contract after delivery and reducing the risk of excessive bleeding. She encouraged mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, stressing that breast milk contains more than 80 per cent water and provides all the nutrients a baby requires during that period. “Your front milk satisfies thirst, while the rich back milk satisfies hunger and promotes steady weight gain,” she said. According to her, exclusive breastfeeding supports brain development, reduces childhood obesity risks and strengthens emotional bonding between mothers and babies. She added that breastfeeding also provides long-term health benefits for mothers, including reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Speaking, Chief Nursing Officer of Majidun Primary Health Centre, Nurse Janet Otah, reinforced the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, describing breast milk as a complete meal designed specifically for infants. She said babies do not require water, herbal mixtures, teas or other foods during the first six months when they are exclusively breastfed. “Breast milk contains all the nutrients and water a baby needs during the first six months,” Otah said. She explained that breastfeeding strengthens babies’ immune systems, protects them against infections, supports healthy growth and improves cognitive development. For mothers, she said breastfeeding helps the uterus return to normal after childbirth, reduces postpartum bleeding and lowers the risk of certain cancers. Otah also highlighted the economic benefits of breastfeeding, noting that it helps families avoid the cost of infant formula while providing babies with superior nutrition. She advised mothers to continue breastfeeding up to two years and beyond after introducing appropriate complementary foods from six months. “Breastfeeding alone is no longer enough after six months. Complementary feeding becomes necessary for continued growth and development,” she said. Otah encouraged mothers to combine breastfeeding with routine immunisation, describing both as critical foundations for raising healthy children. She also acknowledged challenges faced by working mothers but commended the Lagos State Government for providing six months maternity leave, which supports mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding. Speaking on the emotional connection created through breastfeeding, Co-Founder of She Arises Foundation, Mrs Ifeoma Ibe, said breastfeeding goes beyond nutrition because it strengthens the physical and psychological bond between mothers and children. She said the bonding process begins even during pregnancy, as babies respond to their mothers’ emotions and environment. “Breastfeeding is not just about providing nourishment. It is the foundation for emotional, physical and psychological attachment between a mother and her baby,” Ibe said. She encouraged mothers to make every breastfeeding session an opportunity for bonding by holding their babies close, maintaining eye contact, talking to them, praying over them and showing affection. “These simple acts create lasting memories and strengthen the emotional bond between mother and child,” she said. Ibe advised breastfeeding mothers to maintain a healthy diet using affordable locally available foods such as beans, vegetables, crayfish, rice and other nutritious meals to support milk production. She urged mothers facing breastfeeding difficulties not to suffer in silence but to seek help from experienced mothers, healthcare workers and health facilities. The experts stressed that breastfeeding remains a shared responsibility requiring support from families, communities, healthcare providers and government institutions. They urged mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, continue breastfeeding alongside complementary feeding up to two years and beyond, and see every breastfeeding moment as an investment in their child’s future. The outreach also provided mothers with practical guidance on proper breastfeeding techniques, including correct latching positions, hygiene practices, and breast care.