As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to August 7, health experts are warning about the dangers of abandoning exclusive breastfeeding.
Care providers have been urging parents to give their infants nothing but breast milk for the first six months of life, stressing that it is the single most powerful start a child can get.
According to experts, breast milk is a complete food containing every nutrient and fluid babies need during this period; no water, porridge, or other adult food is necessary.
Dr. Phillip Akwafo, Medical Officer at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Hwediem, Ahafo Region, told JoyNews during the World Breastfeeding Week celebration that breastfeeding reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The Medical Officer pointed to scientific research showing that exclusive breastfeeding boosts a child’s immunity and brain development.
He noted that other well-researched health benefits for infants include protection against chronic diseases later in life, support for healthy gut development, and easier digestion.
For mothers, Dr. Akwafo said the practice lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and aids post-pregnancy recovery.
He warned against introducing solid or adult food too early, saying it can lead to malnutrition, digestive problems, and life-threatening infections.
“An infant’s digestive system is not ready for adult food. Giving such foods too early can damage their health and put them at risk of diarrhoea and stunted growth,” he said.
Feeding infants adult food in the first six months, he added, can cause diarrhoea, choking hazards, food allergies, and stunted growth, among other negative impacts.
Dr. Akwafo also dismissed common misconceptions about breastfeeding, including beliefs that babies need water in hot weather, that thin or malnourished mothers cannot produce enough quality milk, that big babies need adult food early to grow well, and that breastfeeding causes sagging breasts.
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding with safe, appropriate complementary foods up to two years or beyond.
“Exclusive breastfeeding is not a choice between tradition and science. It is life-saving,” Dr. Akwafo emphasised.
In line with this year’s theme, “Closing the Gap: Support for Breastfeeding,” the country needs ongoing education to equip parents, caregivers, and communities with the facts, breaking harmful traditions that jeopardise child health.
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