…Calls for Stronger Support Systems for Nursing Mothers, Greater Awareness on Exclusive Breastfeeding and Postpartum Mental Health
As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week 2026, Dr. (Mrs.) Adeola Akinwunmi Ekine has called for renewed commitment to creating stronger and more sustainable support systems for breastfeeding mothers, stressing that breastfeeding is not merely about feeding a child but about giving every baby a healthy foundation for life.
Dr. Ekine made the call in a special episode of her podcast, “Adeola Ekine,” dedicated to World Breastfeeding Week 2026, with the theme: “Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthen what works.”
According to her, the theme is a reminder that the world already knows many of the interventions and support systems that help mothers breastfeed successfully, but greater effort is required to strengthen, expand and sustain those interventions so that more mothers and babies can benefit from them.
She noted that the first six months of a child’s life represent a critical period for establishing a strong nutritional and health foundation, emphasising the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during this period.
“What goes into that little mouth matters. A baby may survive without breastfeeding, but why deny a child the protection and nourishment nature provides when we can strengthen the support that helps mothers breastfeed? Breastfeeding is more than feeding a baby; it is giving that child a healthy and sustainable start in life,” she said.
Dr. Ekine explained that exclusive breastfeeding means feeding a baby only breast milk for the first six months, except where medicines, vitamins or minerals are medically indicated. She stressed that breastfeeding should continue alongside appropriate complementary foods from six months, in line with established public-health recommendations.
She, however, cautioned against turning breastfeeding into a source of guilt or condemnation for mothers who experience difficulties.
“We must stop judging mothers and start supporting them. A mother who is struggling with breastfeeding does not need condemnation; she needs information, compassion, skilled assistance and a support system,” she said.
The media personality and public affairs professional emphasised that while breastfeeding is carried out by the mother, the responsibility for creating an enabling environment should not rest on the mother alone.
She called on fathers, partners, families, healthcare professionals, employers, community leaders and government to recognise their respective roles in supporting breastfeeding mothers.
According to her, fathers and family members can contribute by helping with household responsibilities, encouraging mothers and protecting them from unnecessary pressure and misinformation.
Healthcare workers, she said, should provide mothers with appropriate breastfeeding information and practical support during pregnancy, immediately after delivery and throughout the breastfeeding journey.
She also called for stronger workplace support for breastfeeding mothers, particularly those who return to work after maternity leave.
“A woman should not have to choose between being a productive employee and giving her child the benefits of breastfeeding. We need workplaces where mothers can express and safely store breast milk and where reasonable arrangements can be made to enable them to continue breastfeeding,” she stated.
A major part of the podcast also focused on the emotional and psychological wellbeing of mothers after childbirth.
Dr. Ekine drew attention to postpartum depression, noting that the arrival of a baby can be accompanied by significant physical, emotional and psychological changes.
She explained that some mothers may experience sadness, anxiety, extreme tiredness, irritability, withdrawal, feelings of inadequacy or difficulty bonding with their babies. While some emotional changes after childbirth may be temporary, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored.
She urged families to pay attention to the mental health of new mothers and seek professional help when necessary.
“We celebrate the baby, but sometimes we forget the woman who gave birth to that baby. The mother also needs care. She needs rest, emotional support, understanding and, when necessary, professional mental-health assistance,” she said.
She further warned that mothers should not be made to feel ashamed because they are struggling emotionally after childbirth.
According to her, supporting a mother’s mental wellbeing is also part of supporting successful breastfeeding because stress, exhaustion, anxiety and lack of support can make the breastfeeding experience more difficult for some women.
Dr. Ekine also used the podcast to address some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding breastfeeding.
She called for greater public education to ensure that mothers receive accurate, evidence-based information rather than conflicting advice from social media, family members or unverified sources.
She particularly urged mothers to consult qualified healthcare professionals when experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding, rather than relying solely on unverified remedies or advice.
“Our traditions and experiences are important, but when it comes to the health of a mother and her child, we must also listen to evidence-based medical advice. Information can save a mother from unnecessary anxiety and can help protect the health of her baby,” she said.
Speaking further on the 2026 theme, Dr. Ekine said “strengthen what works” should move society beyond annual conversations about breastfeeding to practical action.
She identified stronger antenatal education, skilled breastfeeding support, family involvement, maternity protection, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, community awareness and effective government policies as some of the areas requiring sustained attention.
She stressed that policies should not remain on paper but must translate into practical support for mothers in homes, hospitals, workplaces and communities.
She also called for greater collaboration between government agencies, healthcare institutions, civil society organisations, the media, employers and community stakeholders in promoting breastfeeding.
Dr. Ekine appealed to Nigerians to change the way society talks about breastfeeding and motherhood.
She said mothers should be encouraged rather than shamed, while fathers and family members should be encouraged to become active participants in creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding.
She also urged the media to use its influence to promote accurate information about breastfeeding, maternal health and postpartum mental wellbeing.
“Breastfeeding may be done by the mother, but supporting breastfeeding is everyone’s responsibility,” she declared.
She added that the success of breastfeeding should not be measured only by whether a mother breastfeeds, but also by whether society has provided the conditions that make successful breastfeeding possible.
As World Breastfeeding Week 2026 is observed around the world, Dr. Ekine urged stakeholders to move from awareness to action by strengthening the systems that have been proven to support mothers and babies.
She noted that every child deserves a healthy start in life and every mother deserves the information, protection, encouragement and practical support required to provide that start.
“Let us strengthen healthcare support. Let us strengthen family support. Let us strengthen workplace policies. Let us strengthen community education. Let us strengthen government programmes. And, most importantly, let us strengthen the confidence of mothers,” she said.
She concluded that “If something is working, let us strengthen it. If a mother needs support, let us provide it. If a system is failing mothers, let us improve it. Because breastfeeding is not just about feeding a baby today; it is about investing in the health and wellbeing of tomorrow.”