Breastfeeding: Bauchi Gov’s Wife Advocates Extension of Maternity, Paternity Leave

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, has reiterated the need for the provision of enabling environment for lactating mothers to breastfeed their babies in the workplace.

She made the call at an event to commemorate this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, with the theme: ‘Enabling Breastfeeding, Making a Difference for Working Parents’, held at the Command Guest House in Bauchi metropolis.

The event was organised by the state Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with Alive and Thrive fhi360 and USAID funded Breakthrough Action Nigeria.

Hajiya Mohammed said the state House of Assembly has a role to play in actualising the advocacy for the provision of breastfeeding corners in all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government by making legislative provision and forwarding it to the governor for his assent.

According to her, working and lactating mothers were facing a lot of challenges in their workplace due to the absence of breastfeeding corners, which, at many points, distract them from discharging their duties effectively.

She also advocated the extension of maternity leave from four to six months for mothers and the introduction of two weeks of paternity leave for their husbands.

Also, the Executive Chairman of the state Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, stated that the state governor was willing to approve assent to any legislative process that is geared towards improving the lives of mothers and children.

Presenting an overview of Alive and Thrive fhi360, the state Coordinator, Mr. Chidi Asimobi, said about 387 health workers received training courtesy of fhi360 with a view to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in the state.

The coordinator pledged the NGOs commitment to providing safe space for working mothers in Bauchi State.

Asimobi then reiterated that access to safe space would provide an avenue for working mothers to commit and contribute to the productive workforce of the state and reduce the burden of childhood diseases.

According to him, “Breastmilk gives babies a strong start in life by offering them antibodies that build immunity, probiotics that support a healthy digestive tract, and nutrition for babies that is unparalleled.

“Women who breast-feed gain health benefits, including a reduced risk for cancer and other diseases. Breastfeeding has no environmental impact and comes with economic benefits for parents, and employers among others.

 “But, breastfeeding is not always easy. Women can encounter challenges, including not receiving sufficient support in the hospital, after they leave the hospital and when they return to work,” he stated.

Also speaking, the state Coordinator of USAID funded Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Mr. Usman Inuwa, represented by Mr. Nura Faggo, highlighted the interventions being provided in the state to include social behavioural change towards maternal and child health issues.