According to Mrs. Eunice K. Awuku, a senior Nursing Officer at the Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, discontinuing breastfeeding before one year can lead to a higher risk of infectious morbidity in children.

In Ghana, while 53% of children under six months are exclusively breastfed, 3% do not receive breast milk at all. Research highlights the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, including a lower risk of diseases such as diarrhea, vomiting, whooping cough, ear infections, asthma, childhood obesity, leukemia, and type 2 diabetes.

Mrs. Awuku notes that many breastfeeding mothers struggle to balance work and daily routines, leading to early discontinuation of breastfeeding, typically after six months. This premature cessation deprives children of essential antibodies in breast milk that help combat infections.

In addition to the physical benefits, breastfeeding promotes skin-to-skin contact and eye contact, fostering a strong bond between mother and child. Moreover, breastfeeding has been shown to confer benefits to mothers, including a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and increased time between pregnancies.

The importance of prolonged breastfeeding cannot be overstated, and healthcare professionals encourage mothers to prioritize breastfeeding for at least one year to ensure optimal health outcomes for their children.