Couples urged to consider breastfeeding as a natural family planning method
Dietetics Technician Herbel Bugayire explains that exclusive breastfeeding can delay ovulation and reduce the likelihood of pregnancy during the first six months after childbirth when the required conditions are met.
A Dietetics Technician from the Kassena-Nankana Municipality, Herbel Bugayire has urged couples to consider exclusive breastfeeding as a natural family planning method, particularly during the first six months after childbirth when the required conditions are met.
Speaking on Voices of Change on Mike FM on Saturday, August 15, Bugayire explained that exclusive breastfeeding can temporarily delay ovulation and menstruation, thereby reducing the likelihood of pregnancy during the first six months after delivery.
“Breastfeeding reduces the chance of pregnancy during the first six months after childbirth when certain conditions are met,” she said.
She explained that exclusive breastfeeding means feeding an infant only breastmilk for the first six months of life without giving any other food or drink, including water, except prescribed medicines or supplements.
Bugayire stressed that breastmilk contains the essential nutrients required for proper growth and development and provides important protection against childhood illnesses.
“The benefits of breastmilk are overwhelming. It protects the child from infections such as diarrhoea, supports brain development and stronger immunity, and helps prevent stunting and malnutrition,” she said.
She added that breastmilk provides sufficient hydration for infants during exclusive breastfeeding, making additional water unnecessary during the first six months unless medically advised.
Bugayire identified proper positioning and attachment of babies as one of the challenges commonly faced by nursing mothers.
“One of the challenges nursing mothers face is learning how to position the baby correctly during breastfeeding to ensure proper attachment and comfortable feeding. If the baby is not positioned well, they may end up suckling air instead of milk,” she said.
She also advised breastfeeding mothers to maintain good hygiene to minimise the risk of transmitting infections to their babies.
Bugayire encouraged mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and urged couples to understand its benefits for both the mother and child, including its potential role as a natural family planning method.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Cynthia Afaah
