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Breastfeeding in Nigeria:
A Call for Change

Written by
Ogechi Ekeanyanwu.

In a hospital room in Nigeria, a healthcare worker leans in to assist a new mother with breastfeeding her baby. The mother, seated on a hospital bed in a coral-colored top, focuses intently on her baby, who is wrapped in a blanket and wearing a pink hat. The healthcare provider, dressed in a light green blazer, offers guidance with care and attentiveness. The setting is modest, with blue sheets and soft natural light filtering in through a nearby window.
Health worker Folami Adenike guides new mother Oluwakemi Oduwole with breastfeeding. Photo: Yagazie Emezi

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Everyone Has an Opinion

Eleven years after becoming a mom, I reflect on my breastfeeding experience. It didn’t start on the delivery day—it started way before. It was my body, my mammary glands, yet others felt entitled to dictate what I must do. 

The opinions poured in, “You are a working mum, how will you cope?” “You must exclusively breastfeed.” “You must not exclusively breastfeed.” “You should breastfeed but only express, so the child won’t get too attached to you.” Why wouldn’t I want my child to get attached to me? The research is clear, secure attachment is pivotal to child development. 

Many of my most joyous moments after an excruciating birthing experience happened during breastfeeding. Beyond its nutritional value, breastfeeding plays a crucial role in emotional and mental well-being benefiting mother and child. 

Yet, in Nigeria, the support and structures necessary for successful breastfeeding are still lacking. This raises the urgent need to address cultural norms, policy gaps, and systemic barriers that hinder breastfeeding practices across Nigeria.

 

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A bonding moment as Nene Aliemeke breastfeeds her son in Lagos.
A Nigerian mother is seen breastfeeding her baby, reflected in a wooden-framed mirror. She sits in a dimly lit room with soft daylight filtering through red curtains, wearing a patterned wrapper. The intimate moment is calm and nurturing, framed with warmth and quiet strength.

An Essential Connection

The usefulness of breastfeeding goes beyond its nutritional value and extends to deep mental and emotional benefits for mothers and children. It can help mitigate postpartum depression, and it can be a deeply satisfying experience knowing what the body can do. The research is also clear: mother-child interaction in the first hour after birth is essential, and this is facilitated by breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact. Babies suckling on the breast produce oxytocin, prolactin, and other metabolites that strengthen the mother-child bond. It also lowers physiological stress for the mother and child. According to leading scientists, breastfeeding has evolved through our mammalian history to optimize mother and infant health and survival.
A Nigerian mother smiles warmly as she cradles her baby in her arms. Dressed in a patterned wrapper and with neatly braided hair, she looks at the child with love and pride. The baby, in a white onesie, gazes up at her, their faces close, capturing a tender moment of connection and affection.
Nene Aliemeke holding her son, Chukwuka Aliemeke, in her arms at home.
A close-up of a Nigerian baby captured mid-yawn in soft, dim lighting. The baby’s mouth is open, eyes half-lidded, and the scene feels intimate and tender, evoking warmth and restfulness.
Chukwuka Aliemeke, a 9-month-old boy, at home.

Benefits for the Child

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastmilk remains the safest feeding option and acts as the first form of immunization for newborns. It contains antibodies that protect babies against common childhood diseases such as respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. What’s more, it supports development at each of the infant’s varying stages of growth by providing a special combination of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. 

These custom formulas are crucial to the baby’s brain development in the first 6 months, but breastmilk can still supply up to half or more of a child’s dietary needs up until they’re 24 months old.

Benefits for the Mother

Breastfeeding isn’t just good for the baby, it also has numerous benefits for the mother. For instance, it postpones ovulation, reducing the risk of short interval pregnancies through lactational amenorrhea, which occurs when the hormone prolactin is released while nursing, which in turn suppresses ovulation. Breastfeeding also lowers risks of breast and ovarian cancer by reducing estrogen levels and improves insulin sensitivity, aiding postpartum weight loss and reducing type 2 diabetes risk. Finally, it also helps regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart health, offering long-term protection against chronic conditions.
A Nigerian mother sits on a plastic chair against a yellow wall, breastfeeding her baby wrapped in a colorful blanket. Dressed in a richly patterned maroon outfit with a matching headscarf, she gazes calmly at the camera with a gentle smile. Her baby, in a red shirt and jeans, nurses peacefully in her arms, embodying a moment of maternal care and quiet pride
Babatunde Latifat sits at Sango PHC, Agege, Lagos, breastfeeding her baby. Photo: Yagazie Emezi
A smiling Nigerian mother breastfeeds her baby while sitting on a wooden bench against an earthen-colored wall. Dressed in a patterned blue and white gown, she looks to the side with joy. The baby, in a white dress with ribbon details, feeds contentedly in her arms. The scene captures a moment of warmth, health, and maternal pride in a modest outdoor setting.
Mercy Ola Lekan breastfeeds her young daughter in her home community in Surulere. Photo: Yagazie Emezi

Economic Benefits

Breastfeeding also benefits families economically. Compared to other methods, it’s cost-effective. Breastmilk is essentially free and readily available. Nigerian families that don’t breastfeed end up spending up to one-third of their household income on formula. Breastfeeding is also a practical, budget-friendly way to reduce costs associated with preventable diseases for mother and child. With fewer hospital visits and general health-care costs, families witness fewer financial strains from hospitalizations. 

Which in turn could benefit Nigerian society. Across Nigeria, the country could save N18.6 trillion—2.81% of its gross national income—by supporting breastfeeding. It's projected that every 1,000 Naira invested in breastfeeding support could result in an estimated 35,000 Naira in economic returns.

Female Empowerment

Putting all the above benefits aside, the practice of breastfeeding also has a deeply political dimension. At the heart of numerous breastfeeding discussions is women’s autonomy – the right to make educated decisions about their bodies, lives, and families. When women know about the benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child, they often choose to breastfeed if they can. 

Still, even in today’s society, there are numerous hurdles preventing women from exclusive breastfeeding.
A woman stands on a beach in Lagos, Nigeria, facing the camera with a calm, steady expression. She wears a red T-shirt and has her hair neatly braided. The ocean stretches behind her under a soft, overcast sky, adding a serene and introspective mood to the portrait.
Nene Aliemeke, Nigerian actress, model, mother, posing for a photo in Lagos.
A group of Nigerian women gather in a lush, palm-lined outdoor setting, chatting and smiling together. One woman in a colorful shirt holds a baby in her lap while breastfeeding and holding a phone. A toddler in a pink dress stands nearby, leaning toward the group. The scene radiates warmth, connection, and community.
Mothers sit in a park with their children as Nene shows them something on her phone.

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The Situation

A look at the numbers seems encouraging at first. Nigeria is a breastfeeding country with a 95% rate of breastfeeding and a 71% rate of predominant breastfeeding. However, several factors, including misinformation and myths, are responsible for Nigeria’s poor exclusive breastfeeding rate. 

Only 34% of Nigerian infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, which is below the global average of 48% and far below the Global Breastfeeding Collective’s target of 70% by 2030. Mothers in Nigeria encounter various barriers to exclusive breastfeeding.

Cultural and Social

Barriers often stem from patriarchal culture in multigenerational families. While extended family support is valuable, it sometimes perpetuates harmful beliefs. Women may be discouraged from breastfeeding to avoid threatening father-child bonds, as children traditionally "belong" to men in patrilineal systems. Some family members spread the dangerous myth that colostrum (first milk) is dirty and harmful, when it actually contains crucial white cells and antibodies that boost newborn immunity during their most vulnerable period. 

Others push for introducing water or food too early—sometimes within the first hour after birth—significantly reducing the likelihood of successful exclusive breastfeeding later on.
In a small, simply furnished waiting room in Nigeria, a visibly pregnant woman wearing a patterned wrap sits on a bench. Two other women, midwives, are seated beside her, offering support and care. The atmosphere appears calm and intimate within the modest healthcare setting.
Midwives and a pregnant woman in a small waiting room in Nigeria. Photo: Yagazie Emezi
A Nigerian mother sits on a doorstep, preparing food with a knife and a plate of sliced yams in front of her. She is dressed in a cream-colored hijab and vibrant patterned wrapper. Three children are gathered around her—one sipping from a bottle, another perched nearby watching intently, and the third standing against a wall adorned with graffiti. The setting is modest, with worn walls and simple household items, evoking a warm, everyday family moment.
A Nigerian mother prepares food. Photo: KC Nwakalor for USAID, modified image.
A Nigerian family sits together on a woven mat, sharing a meal outside a weathered building. A man in traditional attire feeds a toddler in a pink and white knitted hat, while a woman in a brown hijab smiles warmly. Two older children sit nearby, one of them eating from a bowl. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, reflecting a moment of togetherness and care.
Parents eat a meal outdoors with their children. Photo: KC Nwakalor for USAID, modified image.

Workplace and Policy

Early complementary feeding isn't solely caused by harmful cultural practices or ignorance. Many cases also stem from family-unfriendly workplace policies, inadequate labor laws, and insufficient institutional investment in breastfeeding support. This includes a lack of comprehensive paid family leave or even accommodations to breastfeed in the workplace. 

While international labor standards recommend at least 18 weeks of maternity leave, many working mothers receive far less time off after giving birth. Although health experts recommend 24 weeks of paid maternity leave, only seven Nigerian states currently provide this protection. 

Consequently, many mothers must return to work much earlier than recommended or desired.

Limited Alternatives

Without adequate support, many mothers struggle to breastfeed exclusively. Their newborns often join the 75% of babies under six months fed water, other milks, herbal mixtures, or commercial milk formula (CMF)—compromising exclusive breastfeeding's benefits. This practice introduces significant risks: when a baby's small stomach is filled with substitutes, there's less room for breastmilk, which naturally contains over 70% water. This displaces essential nutrients and can lead to malnutrition. In regions with limited clean water access, this practice also raises the risk of waterborne illnesses. 

The widespread promotion and accessibility of CMF also presents a challenge. WHO and UNICEF have repeatedly raised concerns about aggressive marketing tactics that amplify mother’s anxiety about milk sufficiency. WHO research in 2022 shows that CMF advertising in healthcare settings and across social media significantly influences parental feeding decisions. In Nigeria, about 48% of healthcare facilities display CMF promotional materials, and nearly half of postpartum women report receiving feeding advice from health professionals influenced by formula marketing. 

For mothers unable to breastfeed, WHO recommends donor human milk over infant formula, particularly for preterm or vulnerable infants. However, in Nigeria, access remains extremely limited due to scarcity of human milk banks. Only a handful of facilities provide donor milk services, far below demand, leaving countless infants without access to the safest alternative.
Woman shopping in Lagos with her baby

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Who Really Decides?

A look at the numbers seems encouraging at first. Nigeria is a breastfeeding country with a 95% rate of breastfeeding and a 71% rate of predominant breastfeeding. However, several factors, including misinformation and myths, are responsible for Nigeria’s poor exclusive breastfeeding rate. 

Only 34% of Nigerian infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, which is below the global average of 48% and far below the Global Breastfeeding Collective’s target of 70% by 2030. Mothers in Nigeria encounter various barriers to exclusive breastfeeding.

A Nigerian family poses for a picture outside. Photo: KC Nwakalor for USAID, modified image.
A Nigerian family stands together outside against a worn, graffiti-covered wall. The mother, dressed in a colorful wrapper and pink headscarf, holds a toddler, while the father, in a deep blue kaftan and cap, smiles proudly. Four other children of varying ages stand close, dressed in vibrant patterns and hoodies. Their relaxed, joyful expressions capture a moment of unity and warmth in a modest urban setting.

Advocacy for breastfeeding must stand firm, emphasizing its benefits and providing robust support systems for mothers who choose to breastfeed. Rejecting breastfeeding in favor of formula feeding due to patriarchal structures and beliefs can have several harmful consequences. For one, it risks overlooking the biochemical and physiological benefits that nursing provides to newborns. These benefits are not just for moms; they directly impact children’s health outcomes, which can last their entire lives. 

Rather than presenting breastfeeding as a constraint, it can be viewed as a shared experience that enhances both parents’ roles in nurturing, provided that societal support systems are in place to enable and empower mothers to succeed in breastfeeding. The rejection of breastfeeding in pursuit of a narrow conception of gendered parenting can lead to missed opportunities for nurturing connections and undermine the health benefits for children. Breastfeeding, when supported by the appropriate laws and societal institutions, is a proclamation.
A joyful Nigerian couple shares a laugh while standing in front of a patterned rug hung as a backdrop. The woman, dressed in a shiny blue hijab and gown, holds a rolled-up paper, while the man, in a light traditional outfit and cap, cradles a toddler wearing a yellow and green dress. The child's back is turned as she reaches toward her father, capturing a candid, affectionate family moment filled with warmth and connection.
Family enjoying the day in front of a tapestry. Photo: KC Nwakalor for USAID, modified image.
A group of people gathered in front of a traditional Nigerian building. A woman in a bright blue hijab sits holding a baby, while a young girl in a knitted hat stands beside her. A man dressed in elaborate orange and white traditional Nigerian attire gestures with his hand, and another woman in a black and white zigzag-patterned hijab leans forward.
A Nigerian family gathers outside. Photo: KC Nwakalor for USAID, modified image.

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Breastfeeding Benefits Everyone

The first week of August is dedicated to raising awareness for breastfeeding and is supported by organizations such as WHO and UNICEF. The theme of the last breastfeeding week was “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.” This theme is particularly pivotal because breastfeeding rates across the globe are far from ideal. Globally, 48% of newborns under six months old are exclusively breastfed. This has serious consequences. Inadequate breastfeeding is estimated to be responsible for 16% of child deaths each year.

Solutions

  • Governments, companies, and communities must all commit to supporting women and systematic change to increase breastfeeding rates.

  • Governments must strictly regulate aggressive CMF marketing. Health workers should be thoroughly trained to resist CMF industry tactics and support mothers ethically.

  • Paid maternity leave of at least 24 weeks should be standard. Employers must provide breastfeeding-friendly policies such as flexible schedules and lactation spaces.

  • Fathers should embrace equal parenthood, share household chores, and ensure mothers are well fed to support exclusive breastfeeding. Their emotional support reduces maternal stress.

  • In multigenerational homes, extended families should provide a positive breastfeeding environment, helping mothers feel supported rather than pressured to use formula.

  • Lactation support must be widespread while public campaigns should combat misinformation and stigma.
A Nigerian mother sits on the edge of a bed in her softly lit bedroom, holding her smiling baby on her lap. She wears a colorful Ankara dress, and the baby is dressed in a white onesie. The room has maroon curtains, a wooden headboard, and a cozy atmosphere, with baby items on the bedside table and a soft blanket beside them. The mother gazes calmly at the camera, exuding warmth and confidence
A close-up shot of a baby peacefully breastfeeding, the infant's face nestled against patterned fabric. The warm, soft lighting emphasizes the intimacy and tenderness of the moment.
A woman stands confidently on a rooftop at sunset in Nigeria, surrounded by vibrant patterned fabrics hanging on clotheslines. She wears a blue dress and stands beside a basin of laundry, with her hands on her hips. The sun glows softly in the hazy sky, casting a warm light over the everyday yet powerful moment of domestic life and resilience.
A Nigerian healthcare worker sits across from a mother holding her baby, engaged in an animated and supportive conversation. The mother smiles, creating a warm, trusting atmosphere in the home setting.
A Nigerian family stands outside their home, engaged in conversation. A woman in a leopard-print dress stands beside a younger woman in a vibrant tie-dye outfit, surrounded by male relatives. The group appears grounded and connected, framed by the everyday backdrop of their neighborhood.
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Nene Aliemeke sits in her bedroom with her baby son on her lap.

Shifting the Narrative

The cultural and patriarchal framing of breastfeeding narratives must be deconstructed. We must dismiss the idea that women’s biology conflicts with their professional success. Societies must acknowledge breastfeeding as a liberating and empowering decision that addresses public health concerns as well as represents maternal autonomy. 

Breastfeeding must be seen through a human rights perspective. It is about choice, autonomy, and support. It is a collective and personal obligation that calls for structural, financial, and legislative measures. Public health and gender equity depend on every mother making sure she has the tools to breastfeed, should she want to.

The objective is clear: a future in which no woman must choose between her economic well-being and her child’s health; nursing is not a privilege but a widely accepted right. Governments should go beyond symbolic gestures and promise significant, systematic change to achieve the goals suggested by organizations such as WHO. Together, we can create a society that supports and encourages every mother’s choice.

Herconomy is Nigeria’s first Fintech company for women dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs and professionals through Financial Services, Capacity Building, Community, and Opportunities.

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