Young mothers abandon breastfeeding for fear of sagging breasts - Opendi

Aug 04, 2018

'The young population and corporate mothers have not given enough time to breastfeeding their children, which exposes them to diseases such as cancer'

PIC: Opendi implored men and husbands to support their women in breastfeeding saying they play a big role to play in the healthy living of the children 

BREASTFEEDING

State Minister of health in charge of general duties Sarah Opendi has blasted young mothers over failure to breastfeed their babies for fear of developing sagging breasts.

According to Opendi, young girls prematurely abandon breastfeeding their children as early as one month to prevent their breasts from sagging.

"Dear girls please breastfeed your children. Forget about the comfortable and showbiz and concentrate on breastfeeding your babies. Those breasts are not for your husbands," Opendi advised.

Speaking during a live tweet chat on making a case for increased funding for breastfeeding programs as part of activities to mark the breastfeeding week at Parliament yesterday, mothers should breastfeed their babies for at least six months exclusively on breastmilk.

However, according to Opendi, the young population and corporate mothers have not given enough time to breastfeeding their children, which exposes them to diseases such as cancer.

"Breastfeeding is the foundation of life for a baby. Research shows that babies who are not breastfed have higher chances of getting diabetes and cancer at a later stage of their lives," Opendi said.



She advised that mothers should at least breast feed the infants on only breast milk for the first six months before they can introduce baby food thereafter, but continue with breast milk.

Opendi also implored men and husbands to support their women in breastfeeding saying they play a big role to play in the healthy living of the children. 

The minister also reiterated the caution against the growing culture of men demanding to suckle breastfeeding mothers, believing that the practice can help cure certain diseases such erectile dysfunction and impotence. 

"Some cases have been reported where men compete with their babies for breast milk," she said.

 

According to the World Health Organization, globally, less than 40 per cent of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Adequate breastfeeding counselling and support are essential for mothers and families to initiate and maintain optimal breastfeeding practices. 

 

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