Photo of the Week: Breastfeeding in Nigeria

Waraka and her newborn baby are surrounded by their family at home in Katsina, Nigeria. She gave birth to twins, but one of them died from malnutrition after 13 days of being born. Waraka has given birth to 16 children but has lost six from preventble diseases such as malaria, fever, measles, malnutrition and infections.

Breastfeeding is the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need, and one of the most effective ways to ensure newborn health and survival. Optimal breastfeeding together with complementary feeding and adequate support for mothers and families helps prevent malnutrition and saves newborn lives.

The World Health Organization recommends immediate and exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months old, and continued breastfeeding with the addition of nutritious complementary foods for up to two years or beyond.

• Download: Saving Newborn Lives in Nigeria: Newborn Health in the context of the Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Strategy
• Blog: A brigther future for Nigeria's newborns

Photo by Pep Bonet / Save the Children