LatestNewsTOP STORIES

Call on Fathers to Support Their Spouses in Breastfeeding

By Festus Ronoh || Kass Digital

 

Fathers have been urged to support their spouses during the breastfeeding period to promote better health outcomes for children.

 

Dr. Benard Sowek, the Director of Health Services in Bomet County, emphasized the vital role fathers play in ensuring successful breastfeeding. He called on men to be active participants in nurturing healthier generations.

 

 

“Fathers are very important when it comes to breastfeeding. A mother cannot have enough milk to breastfeed when there’s no peace at home,” said Dr. Sowek.

 

He was speaking at Bomet Health Centre during the launch of World Breastfeeding Week. Dr. Sowek also revealed that the county has begun initiatives to ensure all government offices are equipped with breastfeeding-friendly facilities.

 

 

“Currently, Bomet County stands at a 55% exclusive breastfeeding rate, while the national average is 61%. We’ve put in place policies to ensure breastfeeding mothers have the freedom and facilities they need to care for their children,” he added.

 

Carolyn Terer, the County Director of Nutrition and Dietetics, underscored the importance of breast milk in early childhood development.

 

 

“Breast milk is crucial for a child’s brain development. We urge parents to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months without introducing any other foods,” she said.

 

Flora Chebet, a mother to a one-week-old baby, praised the Department of Health for its public awareness efforts.

 

“I underwent a successful Cesarean section and thank God for a safe delivery. The county team taught me the importance of breastfeeding for six months, and I’m committed to it. I urge fellow mothers to do the same,” she said.

 

Also present during the event were Farida Mutai from Nutrition Co-ordinator, Zaddy Chumo, the county health promotion officer.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *