The National Nutrition Council Eswatini (NNCE) has urged mothers to prioritise exclusive breastfeeding, describing breast milk as the best source of nutrition for babies during the first six months of life.
The call comes as Eswatini joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Breastfeeding Week under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life.
” Health experts are using the campaign to encourage mothers and families to embrace exclusive breastfeeding, saying it lays a strong foundation for children’s health, growth and development.
Speaking during an interview on the Kusile Breakfast Show, NNCE Programme Manager Siniketiwe Zwane said breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways of ensuring babies receive the nutrients they need in the early stages of life.
She explained that breast milk contains all the essential nutrients required for healthy growth and development while strengthening babies’ immune systems and protecting them from common childhood illnesses.
“Breastfeeding gives every child a good foundation in life, which is why we continue to encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies from birth,” said Zwane.
She encouraged mothers who feel they are not producing enough breast milk not to lose hope but to increase their water intake and maintain a balanced, nutritious diet to support milk production.
According to Zwane, proper maternal nutrition and adequate hydration play a critical role in successful breastfeeding. 
She said families also have an important responsibility to support breastfeeding mothers by ensuring they have access to healthy meals, sufficient rest and a supportive home environment.
Zwane further appealed to expectant mothers living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to attend antenatal clinics as early as possible during pregnancy.
She said early attendance allows healthcare workers to provide appropriate counselling, treatment and support that can significantly reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
She also reminded mothers that babies should be exclusively breastfed from birth until they reach six months of age, in line with recommendations from health professionals.
Zwane explained that exclusive breastfeeding means feeding babies only breast milk during the first six months, without giving water, other liquids or solid foods, unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional.
