By Hajara Usman
Exclusive breastfeeding, which involves feeding infants only with breast milk for the first six months of life, is crucial for their growth, development, and immune system.
According to experts, it provides all the essential nutrients a baby needs during this vital period. However, despite its well-documented benefits, many mothers face significant challenges that prevent them from exclusively breastfeeding their infants.
These obstacles often include a lack of support from their spouses, pressure from mothers-in-law, and widespread misinformation about the practice.
The 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) sheds light on the state of exclusive breastfeeding in Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast and North Central regions.
The survey reveals that over 80 per cent of women in the Northeastern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and the North Central state of Plateau do not practice exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months.
Adamawa State, according to the survey, recorded moderate success with a 53.3 per cent rate of exclusive breastfeeding.
However, other states fared poorly, with Bauchi at 26.4 per cent, Gombe at 30.7 per cent, Plateau at 38.6 per cent, and Taraba at 33.7 per cent.
Experts warn that the low rates of exclusive breastfeeding carry serious risks.
Infants who are not exclusively breastfed are more susceptible to infections, malnutrition, and even infant mortality.
Several research shows that when fathers actively support and advocate for exclusive breastfeeding, the results can be significantly positive.
As more awareness campaigns promote the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, fathers from various communities in Gombe have begun to share their differing views on the practice.
Mal. Umar Chiroma, a Discipline Officer for the Tricycle Riders Association in Gombe, recounted his experience: “When my wife gave birth to our fifth child, we decided to try exclusive breastfeeding, even though we hadn’t done it with our first four children. Initially, my wife was hesitant, but I insisted, and she eventually embraced it.
“The difference between our youngest child and the older ones is clear, our youngest is healthier because he was exclusively breastfed,” he said.
Chiroma encouraged his wife to breastfeed exclusively and ensured she was well-nourished, providing her with foods like meat, beans, and fruits to help produce sufficient breast milk.
He also said he’s committed to advocating for exclusive breastfeeding among his peers because of its immense benefit.
Mal. Haruna Ibrahim, Chairman of the Motorcycle Riders at the Nepa Office Unit in Gombe, shared his experience, Ibrahim, a father of two, said his wife practised exclusive breastfeeding, and he plans to continue this practice due to the benefits he has observed.
He said he ensured his wife had access to a balanced diet to support breastfeeding, and he assisted her with household chores to allow her to focus on feeding the baby.
On his part Mal. Sani Rabiu, Secretary of the Motorcycle Riders Association in Gombe State, admitted that while he had heard of exclusive breastfeeding, he had never practised it.
He said ” I initially believed that withholding water from an infant was harsh. However, after receiving more information and encouragement, I will try it with my next child,” he assured.
Not all fathers, however, are fully on board. Some express concerns about the exclusive nature of breastfeeding, feeling sidelined as the process relies entirely on the mother.
They also worry about the physical and emotional strain that breastfeeding can place on their partners, including issues like sleep deprivation.
Mal. Yunusa Adamu, a guard with a private company in Gombe, said although he knew what exclusive breastfeeding is all about, he never attached any importance to it because his parents didn’t explain its benefits to him.
“In our family, the matriarch decides what a pregnant woman eats and drinks from conception to delivery and how the baby is nurtured from infancy to maturity.
“Our parents didn’t practice exclusive breastfeeding, so we didn’t think it was important for our children. Moreover, if my wife exclusively breastfeeds, she won’t have enough time for me as her husband,” he explained.
Mal. Kamilu Sirajo, a carpenter by profession, mentioned that although he had heard about exclusive breastfeeding through various media outlets and understood its benefits, he had not considered practising it.
He added that a friend working in healthcare had been educating him about its importance, but he had yet to try it.
Despite the awareness, Sirajo still struggles with the idea of denying infants water for six months. “My mother didn’t exclusively breastfeed me, and as you can see, I’m healthy,” he said.
These varied reactions from fathers highlight the ongoing challenges and misconceptions surrounding exclusive breastfeeding. While some fathers are supportive and recognise the benefits, others remain hesitant, influenced by cultural beliefs, personal discomfort, and a lack of understanding.
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Nutrition Specialist Philomena Irene said during a media dialogue in Yola, which drew journalists from Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Plateau states that fathers or husbands, as key figures in the household, hold a significant responsibility in ensuring that mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants.
According to her, in Northern Nigeria, which is a predominantly patriarchal society, fathers typically have the final say in such decisions. She urged journalists to view themselves as change agents, capable of altering perceptions and encouraging those who do not practice exclusive breastfeeding to adopt it.
“This time, we want to follow up with fathers, influencers, and grandmothers who are the decision-makers in the home, rather than focusing solely on women regarding breastfeeding.”More than 80 per cent of mothers do not practice exclusive breastfeeding in the Northeastern states, which is worrisome.
She said the MICS 2021 figures are not ones to be proud of.”The question is, what can we do as change agents to transform the narrative? This time, we aim to focus on gender roles and anticipate different outcomes.
Usman writes in from Gombe