EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AND STRENGTHENING INFANT NUTRITION CAMPAIGN HOLD IN AKWA IBOM
By Abisola Ariwodola,
Hope for Family Development Initiative, HFDI, on Saturday intensified efforts to combat child malnutrition with an Infant and Young Child Feeding, IYCF, session focused on exclusive breastfeeding for caregivers in Ikot Akpabio Community, Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state.
The session, held as part of HFDI’s ongoing nutrition interventions, targeted pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and male caregivers.
Through interactive discussions, practical demonstrations, counseling and participatory learning, participants were equipped with skills to support optimal infant and young child feeding practices.
The Facilitators at the campaign stressed that exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is critical for a child’s growth, development and survival. Caregivers were urged to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and feed frequently to stimulate milk production.
A major concern raised by participants was delayed breast milk flow after delivery. In response, HFDI’s facilitator demonstrated practical breast care techniques, including gentle breast and back massage with warm water and proper nipple hygiene during pregnancy and after childbirth.
The session also debunked common myths around giving water or herbal mixtures to infants under 6 months, with participants expressing greater confidence in breast milk as the sole source of nutrition and hydration during that period.
HFDI addressed food insecurity among breastfeeding mothers by encouraging small-scale farming and income-generating activities to improve household diets.
Also, Caregivers were taught how to prepare nutritious complementary meals for children aged 6–23 months using locally available foods, while emphasizing dietary diversity and meal frequency.
As part of maternal health support, HFDI distributed micronutrient supplements to pregnant women, alongside baby wipes and deworming tablets to beneficiaries.
The session was highly interactive caregivers sharing experiences and correcting misconceptions about colostrum, which facilitators described as “the first milk that protects newborns against infections and supports healthy growth.”
The Traditional Birth Attendant, TBA, leader in Ikot Akpabio commended HFDI and pledged to encourage more mothers to apply the knowledge gained.
HFDI noted that challenges remain, including limited household resources, persistent cultural beliefs, and low involvement of fathers. To sustain gains, the organization recommended regular IYCF/MIYCN education, strengthened home visits for follow-up, expanded food demonstration sessions, and increased engagement of male caregivers.
With continued community engagement, HFDI says the intervention will contribute to reduced malnutrition and improved maternal and child well-being across Akwa Ibom.
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