Public Breastfeeding Debate: Nigerian Mothers' Legal Rights Disputed
In Nigeria, efforts are underway to promote breastfeeding and create supportive environments for nursing mothers. These initiatives span various sectors, from governmental organisations to civil society groups and digital innovations.
Governmental Initiatives
The Kogi State Ministry of Health and Primary Health Care Development Agency recently organised World Breastfeeding Week 2025, focusing on creating supportive environments for nursing mothers. The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting breastfeeding as a cornerstone of national health, emphasising the need for sustainable support systems. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is working to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and collaborate with state governments to ensure compliance with breastfeeding regulations, aiming to curb unethical marketing practices.
Civil Society Involvement
The African Youth and Adolescents Network (AYGF) supports the global campaign to prioritise breastfeeding by advocating for policy enforcement, workplace support, and community normalisation of breastfeeding.
Digital Innovations
The use of digital platforms and virtual communities is being explored to enhance maternal and child health by supporting breastfeeding and timely immunisations.
However, promoting breastfeeding in Nigeria faces several challenges.
Cultural and Social Misconceptions
Social and cultural barriers often hinder breastfeeding, with many societies not fully embracing the practice in public.
Infrastructure Challenges
The lack of lactation-friendly spaces in public places and workplaces limits breastfeeding opportunities.
Digital Health Adoption
Despite the potential of digital health solutions, adoption is hindered by issues like internet access, electricity supply, and cost of data.
Policy Implementation
While there are policies supporting breastfeeding, their enforcement remains a challenge, requiring stronger legal frameworks and societal buy-in.
Breastfeeding is a natural and necessary act for maternal and child health. Mothers should feel empowered to breastfeed in public without judgment or discrimination. Breastfeeding fosters a strong bond between mother and child and offers numerous health benefits for both.
To ensure a positive and comfortable breastfeeding journey, nursing mothers should find a comfortable position, use a nursing pillow, relax, nurse on demand, stay hydrated, seek support, and choose suitable clothing and covering options.
By addressing these challenges and creating an inclusive and supportive environment, we can empower Nigerian mothers to breastfeed their babies confidently and comfortably wherever they go. This, in turn, will contribute to the health and well-being of our nation's mothers and children.
References: 1. Kogi State Ministry of Health and Primary Health Care Development Agency, (2025). World Breastfeeding Week 2025. [Online] Available at: https://kogistatehealth.gov.ng/news/world-breastfeeding-week-2025 2. NAFDAC, (2025). Strengthening Monitoring Mechanisms for Breastfeeding Regulations. [Online] Available at: https://nafdac.gov.ng/news/strengthening-monitoring-mechanisms-for-breastfeeding-regulations 3. Federal Ministry of Health, (2025). Promoting Breastfeeding as a Cornerstone of National Health. [Online] Available at: https://fmohe.gov.ng/news/promoting-breastfeeding-as-a-cornerstone-of-national-health 4. Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, (2025). Exploring Digital Platforms for Maternal and Child Health. [Online] Available at: https://communications.gov.ng/news/exploring-digital-platforms-for-maternal-and-child-health 5. AYGF, (2025). Advocating for Breastfeeding in Nigeria. [Online] Available at: https://aygf.org/advocacy/breastfeeding-in-nigeria/
- The Kogi State Ministry of Health organized World Breastfeeding Week 2025, highlighting the need for supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers.
- The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting breastfeeding as a key component of national health, emphasizing the importance of sustainable support systems.
- NAFDAC is working in collaboration with state governments to ensure compliance with breastfeeding regulations and curb unethical marketing practices.
- The African Youth and Adolescents Network supports the global campaign for breastfeeding, advocating for policy enforcement, workplace support, and community normalization.
- Digital platforms and virtual communities are being explored to enhance maternal and child health, supporting breastfeeding and timely immunizations.
- Cultural and social barriers often prevent the full acceptance of breastfeeding in public, hindering its widespread practice.
- Lack of lactation-friendly spaces in public places and workplaces restricts breastfeeding opportunities, contributing to the challenges faced in promoting breastfeeding.
- Adoption of digital health solutions is limited by issues like internet access, electricity supply, and cost of data, further complicating efforts to promote breastfeeding in Nigeria.
