Why breastfeeding mothers need counselling support

Mary Mathenge, Lactation Manager at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, writes that achieving exclusive breastfeeding has been elusive for long due to many challenges that hinder support for breastfeeding mothers and their families. Often after delivery and discharge from hospital, the new mother is left alone with their spouse to continue the care at home. This year’s World Breastfeeding Week themed "support breastfeeding for a healthier planet" calls for government and private sector partnerships to protect and promote women’s access to skilled breastfeeding counselling to promote exclusive breastfeeding.