“Leave the breast to the baby” – Public Health Expert urges men to support exclusive breastfeeding
A Public Health Expert has called on men to stop competing with children for breast milk and instead support their wives to breastfeed exclusively.
According to the Head of Public Health at the Manhyia Government Hospital, Lydia Owusu Ansah, men can only play with the breast but must leave its content to children.
Speaking to OTEC News Reporter Kwame Agyenim Boateng on Thursday as part of preparations by the hospital to mark World Breastfeeding Month, she stressed the need for men to understand their role in child nutrition.
“When your wives give birth, leave the breast to the child. Yes you can play with it if you so wish however, the milk is for the baby,” she said.
Madam Owusu Ansah explained that breast milk provides all the nutrients a child needs in the first six months of life and also strengthens the baby’s immune system against diseases.
She therefore urged mothers to strictly adhere to the six months exclusive breastfeeding recommendation to ensure strong growth and development of their children.
She also called on families and husbands to create a supportive environment for nursing mothers to meet the target.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng
