Exclusive Breast Feeding Can Reduce Infant Mortality- Medical Doctor

Dr Ben Uchegbu, who works with General Hospital Minna, told newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday that breastfeeding also contributes to the health of mother and creates a bond between mother and child.
 
``Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life reduces infant mortality linked to common childhood illnesses and under nutrition.
 
``Breastfeeding can reduce the number of deaths caused by acute respiratory infection and diarrhea - two major child killers - as well as from other infectious diseases,'' he said.
 
 Uchegbu said that appropriate infant breastfeeding would save more lives, ensure optimal growth and development.
 
According to him contrary to fears being expressed by some women breast feeding does not make a woman’s breast to slacken.
 
He said the breast would only slack with age, adding that mothers should not use that as an excuse to deny their children the needed nutrient.
 
The World Breast feeding Week is celebrated every year from Aug. 1 to 7  and this year’s theme is ``Understanding the Past - Planning the Future”.