By Olawale Ogunbusola, Ibadan.

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has called on employers in Southwest Nigeria to introduce breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies to improve child survival and development.

Speaking during this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, said stronger support for nursing mothers at work, in hospitals and at home is critical to improving breastfeeding rates.

According to her, only 1 in 3 babies in Nigeria is breastfed within the first hour of birth, while just 3 in 10 infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months, despite the health benefits.

“A mother cannot do this alone. She needs a workplace that gives her time and space to breastfeed,” Lafoucriere said. “She needs a health worker who tells her the truth about formula marketing. She needs her family standing behind her, not questioning her.”

She described breast milk as “the first vaccine every baby receives,” noting that it protects children from illness, promotes brain development and costs nothing.

Lafoucriere urged companies to provide flexible breaks and private nursing spaces, while asking health workers to ensure every newborn is put to breast within one hour of birth.

She also paid tribute to mothers balancing work and childcare: “To every mother in Lagos feeding her child right now in the quiet hours of the night, we see you. You are giving your child your first and best gift.”

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to work with governments and partners to promote optimal breastfeeding and improve maternal and child nutrition.

Recall,World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7.