World Breastfeeding Week is an important period that emphasizes the significance of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. This year, various activities were organized to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding, including workshops, community outreach, and discussions led by health professionals. The goal was to educate mothers and families about the importance of breastfeeding and to encourage more women to participate in exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of their child’s life.
“Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems” was 2025’s theme and took place from August 1-7. As an institution which prioritizes quality of life in the deliverance of its care, the CBC Health Services throughout all its facilities left no stone unturned to echo the importance of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding till 3 years of age is recommended by the WHO but Exclusive Breastfeeding is recommended for a new born’s first 6 months of life.
The Nkwen Baptist Hospital Milk Bank: A Vital Resource
At the heart of our community’s efforts is the milk bank at Nkwen Baptist Hospital, which plays a crucial role in supporting mothers and infants in need. The milk bank provides breast milk to babies whose mothers may be unable to breastfeed due to medical conditions or other challenges. According to the hospital’s Nutrition Counselor, Madame Nfor Magdalene, the bank has served quite a number of babies and encourages as many mothers to donate. She recounted the story of a baby born to a mother declared dead before arriving at the hospital who was fed with breastmilk from the bank for 2 months before being handed over to his father. “I cannot overemphasize the lives saved because we have this bank,” she expressed joyfully.
With many attempts at convincing mothers to donate, the team is often faced with negativity either based on cultural myths or mothers who are discouraged by their peers who refuse to donate. With others demanding to be compensated for this service.
Despite these challenges, the importance of the milk bank cannot be overstated. It ensures that vulnerable infants receive the nutrition they need, particularly in critical situations where their mothers are unable to provide breast milk.
The milk is collected from healthy donors, screened for safety, and pasteurized before being made available. This process guarantees that the milk is safe and beneficial for the infants who rely on it.
A Mother’s Journey: Exclusive Breastfeeding of Triplets
Madame Nshom Vivian, a mother of triplet girls, shared her inspiring journey of exclusive breastfeeding. When she gave birth, she faced numerous challenges, including the stress of managing three infants simultaneously. “It was not easy, but I believed that with God’s grace, I could succeed,” she reflected.
Initially, she received support from the milk bank, as her body struggled to produce enough milk for her triplets. With the guidance of the nutrition counselors at Nkwen Baptist Hospital, she learned about the importance of nutrition and mental well-being in boosting her milk supply. Over time, she was able to exclusively breastfeed her daughters for six months, and she continues to breastfeed them even now, at one year and three months.
Her journey was not without obstacles. There were days when she felt overwhelmed and considered giving up. However, the encouragement from health professionals and the visible health of her daughters motivated her to persevere. “When I see how healthy they are, it makes all the effort worth it,” she said.
A Call to Action: Encouraging Breastfeeding
The voices of health professionals and successful mothers like Madame Nshom Vivian highlight the need for more support for breastfeeding mothers. At the Banso Baptist Hospital, another mother to twins was being celebrated for exclusively breastfeeding her babies for the first 6 months of their lives and continuing thus with other meals.
Mme Tangwa Faith, Administrator for Nkwen Baptist Hospital joyfully applauded staff who identified as having carried out breastfeeding and thereby announced “Every child has the right to breastmilk for as long as is required”. Talking to the staff, she reminded one and all of the institution’s intention to support breastfeeding mothers all the way and this is shown by the creation of daycare centers with dedicated staff that cater to the children. The daycares permit mothers to take out time from their work to attend to the babies.
As we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, it is crucial to spread awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding, not only for infants but also for mothers. Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child, provides essential nutrients, and helps protect against various health issues.
World Breastfeeding Week serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share to support breastfeeding initiatives. By promoting breastfeeding, supporting milk banks, and sharing success stories, a healthier future can be created for children. Mothers are therefore encouraged to embrace breastfeeding and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
