Men in Iringa-Tanzania warned against suckling their lactating wives

A section of men from Iringa in Tanzania have been warned by nutritionists against suckling their lactating wives.

It is said that the men in the area believe that suckling breast milk helps cure a hangover.  

The country’s Mtanzania Newspaper reports that the warning was issued on Monday, December 23, during a conference organised by a non-governmental organisation that roots for good nutrition known as Tanzania Home Economics Association (TAHEA-Iringa).

The event was attended by, among others, Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s women integration secretary, Queen Mlozi, who was the chief guest.

The speakers at the event, among them nutritionists, said that the move by Iringa men to suckle their lactating wives denies infants good nutrition, hence increasing the chances of the babies getting viral or bacterial infections.

“The men believe that after drinking excess alcohol, they can suckle their lactating wives to avoid hangovers. What they don’t know is that by doing so, they are risking their breastfeeding babies’ lives,” said Mlozi.

“This habit is prevalent in Iringa,” she added.

The guest speaker also warned women from the area against giving alcohol to babies in order to induce the infants to sleep.

Mlozi urged Iringa regional boss, Ally Hapi, to ensure men are stopped from suckling their lactating wives.

10 facts on breastfeeding according to the World Health Organization (WHO)

The WHO says breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival.

If breastfeeding were scaled up to near universal levels, about 820 000 child lives would be saved every year (1). Globally, only 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed, says the WHO.

WHO actively promotes breastfeeding as the best source of nourishment for infants and young children. This fact file explores the many benefits of the practice, and how strong support to mothers can increase breastfeeding worldwide.

Fact 1: Breastfeeding for the first six months is crucial

WHO recommends that:

• mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth;
• infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health, and thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods, while continuing to be breastfed; and
• breastfeeding should continue for up to two years or beyond.

Fact 2: Breastfeeding protects infants from childhood illnesses

Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It gives infants all the nutrients they need for healthy development.

It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide. Breast milk is readily available and affordable, which helps to ensure that infants get adequate nutrition.

Fact 3: Breastfeeding also benefits mothers

Exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a natural (though not fail-safe) method of birth control (98% protection in the first six months after birth). It reduces risks of breast and ovarian cancer, type II diabetes, and postpartum depression.

Fact 4: Breastfeeding has long-term benefits for children

Beyond the immediate benefits for children, breastfeeding contributes to a lifetime of good health. Adolescents and adults who were breastfed as babies are less likely to be overweight or obese. They are less likely to have type-II diabetes and perform better in intelligence tests.

Fact 5: Infant formula does not contain the antibodies found in breast milk

The long-term benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children cannot be replicated with infant formula. When infant formula is not properly prepared, there are risks arising from the use of unsafe water and unsterilized equipment or the potential presence of bacteria in powdered formula.

Malnutrition can result from over-diluting formula to "stretch" supplies. While frequent feeding maintains breast milk supply, if formula is used but becomes unavailable, a return to breastfeeding may not be an option due to diminished breast milk production.

Fact 6: Transmission of HIV through breastfeeding can be reduced with drugs

An HIV-infected mother can pass the infection to her infant during pregnancy, delivery and through breastfeeding. However, antiretroviral (ARV) drugs given to either the mother or HIV-exposed infant reduces the risk of transmission.

Together, breastfeeding and ARVs have the potential to significantly improve infants' chances of surviving while remaining HIV uninfected. WHO recommends that when HIV-infected mothers breastfeed, they should receive ARVs and follow WHO guidance for infant feeding.

Fact 7: Marketing of breast-milk substitutes are highly monitored

An international code to regulate the marketing of breast-milk substitutes was adopted in 1981. It calls for:

• all formula labels and information to state the benefits of breastfeeding and the health risks of substitutes;
• no promotion of breast-milk substitutes;
• no free samples of substitutes to be given to pregnant women, mothers or their families; and
• no distribution of free or subsidized substitutes to health workers or facilities.

Fact 8: Support for mothers is essential

Breastfeeding has to be learned and many women encounter difficulties at the beginning. Many routine practices, such as separation of mother and baby, use of newborn nurseries, and supplementation with infant formula, actually make it harder for mothers and babies to breastfeed.

Health facilities that support breastfeeding by avoiding these practices and making trained breastfeeding counsellors available to new mothers encourage higher rates of the practice. To provide this support and improve care for mothers and newborns, most countries have implemented the WHO-UNICEF Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative, which sets standards for quality care.

Fact 9: Mothers should continue breastfeeding at work

Many mothers who return to work abandon breastfeeding partially or completely because they do not have sufficient time, or a place to breastfeed, express and store their milk. Mothers need a safe, clean and private place in or near their workplace to continue breastfeeding. Enabling conditions at work, such as paid maternity leave, part-time work arrangements, on-site crèches, facilities for expressing and storing breast milk, and breastfeeding breaks, can help.

Fact 10: Solid foods should be phased in at six months

To meet the growing needs of babies at six months of age, mashed solid foods should be introduced as a complement to continued breastfeeding. Foods for the baby can be specially prepared or modified from family meals. WHO notes that:

• breastfeeding should not be decreased when starting on solids;
• food should be given with a spoon or cup, not in a bottle;
• food should be clean and safe; and
• ample time is needed for young children to learn to eat solid foods.