Lactating women in Bauchi State are raising concerns about their ability to afford a balanced diet necessary for exclusive breastfeeding due to the rising cost of food.
Mrs. Nuratu Maigari, a 28-year-old mother, shared her worries: “I fear that this age-old tradition of breastfeeding a baby exclusively for at least six months may not continue due to the current economic hardship.”
Another mother, Mrs. Jamila Usman, said, “I will have to start introducing water for my baby. I cannot do exclusive breastfeeding as I was advised during my antenatal.”
On the other hand, Mrs. Talatu Mahmoud, who planted vegetables in preparation for her baby’s arrival, stated, “I will simply add all my vegetables, which are very important for a breastfeeding mother.”
Despite these challenges, the Federal Low-Cost Primary Health Centre recorded an increase in exclusively breastfed babies in June and July 2024, showing that mothers are still adhering to exclusive breastfeeding campaigns.
