By Ibrahim Sorie koroma, Health Education Officer – HEP/MoHS
Fathers /male partners of Makali in the Kunikie Barina Chiefdom Tonkolili District have mobilized to support their wives during the period of exclusive breastfeeding. They made this commitment at a well-attended community based radio session on Stronger with Breastmilk Only (SWBO) camping in the chiefdom last week Friday. The period of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding is normally a difficult period for lactating/breastfeeding mothers where they would have to look after the child and the home. So, they need a lot of support from family members, especially husbands/partners.
During the discussions on the role of fathers/male partners in supporting exclusive breastfeeding right at household and community level, Pa Momodu Sesay; age 50 and a father of 4 children said that they as husbands/partners have learnt a lot about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding which he noted is very much important in the formative development of the child, especially during the first 6 months of life. Mr. Sesay continued that, before now he used to view breastfeeding as a woman’s responsibility but with the education they now have, they will not only support their wives, but also influence other husbands/partners to support their wives to be able to exclusively breastfeed their children.
Alimamy Koroma, age 32 and a father of 1 set of twins expressed that; breastfeeding can be more difficult for women, especially in situations where they would have to breastfeed 2 children in the case of twins and take care of the home too. Koroma continued that for him he started supporting her wife with house work and accompanying her to the clinic with the children out of sympathy as her wife was burden with lots of work to do while looking after the children, adding that he has not regret it at all, look how smart and health my children have grown to be. “I will always support my wife during the 6 months period of breastfeeding and even during pregnancy”, Koroma committed.
Baromi Mansaray, a mother of 2 children appreciated the knowledge their husbands/partners have gained from the engagement and boasted that his husband had been so wonderful in supporting her with house work, but however optimistic that he will be better with the improved knowledge he has learnt, adding that he will definitely talk to his friends to do same.
Exclusive breastfeeding is the recommended food for children 0-6 months after which they can be introduced to supplementary feeding. Supplementary feeding can be done alongside breastfeeding after the first 6 months of the child’s life as the family my wish. Breastmilk contains all the essential nutrients the child needs at 6 months.
