By:Betty Luke
Stakeholders during the World Breastfeeding Day celebrations in Isiolo. PHOTO/Courtesy
Isiolo mothers have called for stronger community support to help women overcome challenges associated with breastfeeding and ensure babies receive proper nourishment during their early months.
Speaking the World Breastfeeding Day celebrations at the Isiolo Referral Hospital, the women said breastfeeding information should reach mothers beyond health facilities and be shared regularly within villages and households.
One of the mothers, Celina Akai, said practical guidance from health workers and other women had helped her better understand how to breastfeed and care for her baby.
She shared experiencing numerous challenges breastfeeding her newborn early this year not knowing how to properly do it.
“When I gave birth, I did not understand how to properly breastfeed my child. Thanks to the CHP attached to our village who really supported me position my child well,” she said.
Another mother, Amina Hussein, said breastfeeding can become difficult when women lack support at home, calling for husbands, relatives and the wider community to play a greater role in supporting nursing mothers.
“It is not easy to breastfeed exclusively especially when there is no support from the people around. Everyone should strive to support a breastfeeding mother near them to ensure children are brestfed exclusively,” she said.
The mothers also called for more community-based awareness on maternal nutrition, hygiene and infant feeding, saying regular engagement would help address misinformation and give women an opportunity to seek help when they experience difficulties.
Isiolo County Chief Officer for Health Dr Mohamud Abdikadir said maternal and child health remains a priority for the county government, urging breastfeeding mothers to observe proper hygiene to protect infants from preventable infections.
“Breastfeeding is not just about nutrition, it is a frontline defense against infection and disease, both for mother and child. We shall continue to invest in maternal health because a healthy mother raises a healthy generation,” Dr Mohamud said.
Action Against Hunger nutrition specialist Raymond Kurigat said the organisation is working with the county government to strengthen nutrition and healthcare services across the county.
“Our partnership with the county is not a one-off event but a sustained commitment. We are working to ensure every mother has access to the information and support she needs to breastfeed safely and confidently,” Kurigat said.
