By Ginika Oguji
The Matron of Comprehensive Medical Centre, Akwuzu, Mrs Appolonia Meze, has cautioned breastfeeding mothers against alcohol consumption, warning that it can interfere with breast milk production and expose infants to alcohol through breast milk.
Meze gave the warning while addressing nursing mothers during a routine immunisation session at the health facility on Oct. 12, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding in supporting infants’ nutrition, growth and development.
She explained that alcohol can affect milk production and the milk ejection reflex, making it more difficult for babies to receive adequate breast milk. Alcohol also passes into breast milk, with an infant’s level of exposure depending partly on the amount consumed and the timing of breastfeeding.
According to her, reduced milk intake may compromise an infant’s nutritional needs and contribute to inadequate weight gain and poor growth if the problem persists.
The matron warned that alcohol exposure could affect an infant’s feeding and sleep patterns, while repeated exposure raises concerns about the developing nervous system, particularly during early infancy when the brain is undergoing rapid development.
She, therefore, encouraged breastfeeding mothers to make informed decisions that protect their babies’ health and seek guidance from qualified health professionals on alcohol use during breastfeeding.
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods for up to two years or beyond. It also identifies alcohol consumption as a factor that can reduce breast milk production and interfere with the milk ejection reflex.
Meze’s warning reinforces the need for continued health education to help mothers understand the importance of breastfeeding and make choices that support their infants’ healthy development.
Ginika Oguji is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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