Breastfeed babies for 6 months, Jigawa first lady tasks mothers 

The wife of Jigawa state governor, Hajiya Hadiza Namadi, has called on all mothers in the state to always breastfeed their new born babies with milk day and night without given them a drop of water for six months.

Mrs Namadi said studies had indicated that babies who received liquids and foods in addition to breast milk before six months of age are at greater risk of diarrhea and respiratory infections.

Mrs Namadi  gave the advice recently to hundreds of the breastfeeding mothers who converged at the Manpower Development Institute (MDI), Dutse, during the launching of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week.

“As you are aware, for babies under six months to stay healthy, scientific evidence recommends giving them breast milk only and on demand day and night.

“No water or other liquids or foods should be given from the moment of birth until they they reach six months.

“Even in hot and dry climates, as breast milk contains all the water and nutrients a baby needs to grow well,” Mrs Namadi advised.

The Jigawa First Lady used the occasion to call for effective maternity entitlements that do not force women to choose between their families and their work.