Bayelsa Begins Breast Feeding Campaign

The Bayelsa State Social
Mobilisation Technical Committee (SOMTEC), has kicked off  a campaign on breast feeding starting with Ekeki community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.
During the campaign  women in the community were educated on the importance and benefits of breast feeding their babies.
In a presentation titled  “Promotion and Development”, Mr. Chris Odi, a director in the state Ministry of Information and Orientation, said that the first six months a baby should be exclusively fed with breast milk  in order to derive its total nutritional benefits.
He urged the women of Ekeki to also ensure appropriate complementary feeding of the child after six months while continuing with breast feeding.
“Breast feeding is nutritious, safe and readily available. It is fundamental to the growth, development and health of children”, he said.
Odi explained that adequate micronutrients through diet and supplements would also help the growth of the child.
He also said that it was imperative for women to register the birth of their children, monitor their growth and create the atmosphere for their mental and psycho-social development.
In her remarks,  SOMTEC’s Desk Office at the Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mrs. Beatrice Sikpi, appealed to the women to spread the lessons they had learnt and also thanked the chief and people of the community for their co-operation.
SOMTEC’s overall theme of “Key Household and Community Practices” jointly sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) and the Bayelsa State Government.