Breastfeeding crisis: How economic pressure, workplace barriers leave millions of mothers struggling

As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7), health experts and child welfare advocates are drawing attention to the structural and economic challenges preventing many Nigerian mothers from exclusively breastfeeding their babies during the first six months of life.

Although breastfeeding initiation remains high in Nigeria, with more than 90 per cent of mothers starting breastfeeding after childbirth, only about 26 per cent continue with exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six-month period.

Experts say the gap is not primarily caused by a lack of willingness among mothers, but by a combination of workplace demands, inadequate maternity support, rising living costs, and cultural practices that encourage the early introduction of water and other substitutes.

Exclusive breastfeeding, which involves feeding infants only breast milk without water, formula, or other foods during the first six months, is widely recommended by health organisations because of its role in improving infant nutrition and protecting babies against infections.

However, for many Nigerian women, especially those working in informal sectors, maintaining exclusive breastfeeding has become increasingly difficult due to economic realities.

For millions of mothers who work as traders, artisans, farmers, and small business owners, returning to work shortly after childbirth is often unavoidable because staying away from income-generating activities for several months could threaten household survival.

Even among women employed in the formal sector, limited maternity leave policies and the absence of breastfeeding-friendly workplaces continue to create challenges. While some government institutions and states have introduced longer maternity leave periods, many private sector employees still return to work after shorter periods, leaving little time to establish and maintain exclusive breastfeeding routines.

In major cities such as Lagos and Abuja, long commuting hours further complicate the situation, with many mothers spending several hours away from their infants without access to private spaces for breastfeeding or facilities to safely store expressed milk.

Health advocates say workplaces across the country still lack adequate support systems, including nursing areas, childcare facilities, and flexible work arrangements that would allow mothers to balance employment with infant care.

The financial pressure facing Nigerian families has also contributed to the breastfeeding challenge. The rising cost of infant formula, driven by inflation and supply chain difficulties, has made alternatives increasingly expensive for many households.

Some mothers who are unable to breastfeed exclusively because of work commitments turn to formula, while others introduce mixed feeding practices because they believe additional water or other supplements are necessary.

Health professionals, however, continue to warn against introducing water, herbal mixtures, or other substances to infants during the first six months unless medically advised. They explain that breast milk contains the required hydration and nutrients needed for babies during this critical period.

Medical experts say early introduction of water and other substances can expose infants to health risks, including infections, while reducing the amount of breast milk consumed and potentially affecting milk production.

Beyond economic challenges, cultural beliefs also remain a major factor influencing infant feeding practices in some Nigerian communities. Some families continue to encourage the use of water, traditional mixtures, or early complementary feeding because of long-standing beliefs passed down through generations.

Health agencies and child welfare organisations have continued awareness campaigns aimed at addressing misconceptions and promoting safe infant feeding practices.

Experts argue that improving Nigeria’s exclusive breastfeeding rate will require more than public education. They say the country must address the social and economic barriers preventing mothers from following recommended breastfeeding practices.

They are calling for stronger maternity protection policies, improved workplace support, better maternal healthcare services, and greater involvement from families and communities.

As World Breastfeeding Week is observed globally, health advocates stress that many Nigerian mothers are not choosing to stop exclusive breastfeeding rather, they are navigating a system where economic survival, employment demands, and limited support structures often make the recommended practice difficult to sustain.