Small Changes, Big Consequences
Changing Breastfeeding Habits in Somalia, One Mother at a Time
The unfortunate myth that breast milk alone is not enough for a child’s nutritional needs is strongly embedded within Somalian society.
As a result, in a nation where many mothers and children don’t have access to the healthcare and education needed to ensure a healthy pregnancy and infanthood, mothers often supplement breast milk with infant formula or animal’s milk immediately after birth — inadvertently increasing the chance of their babies falling ill.
Newborn babies are particularly vulnerable to disease and infection while their immune system is still developing. Breast milk, however, is the natural counterbalance, providing a safe and nutritious intake containing all the antibodies needed to fight off potential infections. This is why breastfeeding is promoted all over the world — to encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies exclusively (exclusive breastfeeding is when the baby consumes nothing but breast milk) for the first 6 months and then continue breastfeeding for two years after alongside nutritiously complementary foods. Research has shown that babies who are introduced to breast milk alternatives are more likely to struggle with diseases and malnutrition as compared to breast-fed children.
As part of world breastfeeding week — a week dedicated to raising awareness of the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding — International Medical Corps conducted a campaign to promote breastfeeding at Ibado Hospital and in the surrounding village of Abduwak in the Galmuduug region of Somalia. More than 200 women and men attended the event where the International Medical Corps’ team emphasised the importance of initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding up to six months and giving birth at a hospital where skilled professionals are present.
Fatuma, a mother-of-two kindly shared her breastfeeding story with us having seen the transformative impact of exclusive breastfeeding on her young children: “I encourage every mother to take the breastfeeding messages seriously. I did not breastfeed my first born well because I introduced him to substitute milk before he was a month old. I however took the breastfeeding messages seriously with my second born and breastfed him well. The difference is quite notable on the two children. The one I didn’t breastfeed fell ill often and was malnourished, while the one I breastfed grew up strong and healthy.”
During the campaign at Ibado hospital, International Medical Corps Health and Nutrition Team also visited new mothers in the maternity wards to promote breastfeeding. Whilst at the maternity ward one of the team witnessed a mother who had delivered the previous night having difficulty in positioning and breastfeeding her newborn. Having spotted the difficulty the mother was having, a team member was able to support the mother and show her how to position the child while breastfeeding, a small change with big health consequences for her child.
These types of small interventions with long-lasting consequences are typical of the work we’re carrying out in five regions across Somalia where we promote and educate health and hygiene practices that have a transformative impact at both an individual and communal level.
With thanks to European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) for its generous support.