Roseline Oladimeji, a Chief Nursing Sister has urged pregnant women to allow their husbands to suck their breasts so as to prepare them for breastfeeding after delivery.
Roseline gave the advice at a sensitisation programme marking the 2021 World Breastfeeding Week organised by Amuwo Odofin Maternal and Child Centre, Festac Town, Lagos, on Thursday.
“Allow your husband to suck your breasts during pregnancy. Apart from bonding, it will help the nipples to be out and make it easier for your baby to latch on.
“You can also rub vaseline on your nipples at night before going to sleep. It helps to soften it,” the nursing sister said.
She also encouraged pregnant women to prepare their breasts during pregnancy to avoid lactation problems after delivery and that the colostrum – the first form of milk produced by the mammary glands of mammals (including humans) following delivery of the newborn contains nutrients that help boost the baby’s immunity.
“It is still breast milk,” she said.
The nursing sister cautioned that certain food, herbs and medications could hurt babies if they cross into the breast milk, moreso, she noted that drinking palmwine to improve lactation could introduce alcohol into the baby’s system during breastfeeding.
In addition, the hospital’s dietician, Ms Gbemisola Ogundipe, advised lactating mothers to ensure that they take balanced meals and lots of water to Boost the volume and quality of their breast milk.