Thread by @ToyinSaraki

#WHWWeek - in the practice of effective #breastfeeding , colostrum acts as immune therapy to reduce necrotising enterocolitis, a major cause of neonatal morbidity. We must view human milk as a medicine and vital resource for new-borns.

Speaking at the #Medela Symposium, I believe that, when it comes to ensuring that human milk is used effectively immediately after birth, co-investment from communities is necessary and the value of human capital is paramount. #WHWWeek

#Medela Symposium: “In Nigeria, we teach lactation support through our #MamaCare midwives teaching women and caregivers the best way to establish lactation in the first year, conducting a postnatal visit and teaching on contraception through accessible heuristics.” #WHWWeek

#Medela Symposium: “From July, we will have 70+ midwives teaching 8000 pregnant women in 576 locations across 4 states of Nigeria, with one midwife per 111 mothers through our programmes, a stark contrast from Nigeria’s average of 1 to 20,000. WHO recommends 1 per 434.” #WHWWeek

#Medela Symposium: “Products and resources enabling higher breastfeeding are a social investment for women and their new-borns, lowering risk of asthma and allergies, and even increasing IQ. For a mother, breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.” #WHWWeek