Kuju was a young mother from a pottery-making family. At 18, she got married and settled into a new life with her husband’s basket-weaving family. Her first baby arrived with the help of a traditional birth attendant, and Kuju chose to breastfeed—understanding its power to nourish her baby, build immunity, and bond deeply.
She valued breastfeeding because:
- It was free and always available.
- It protected her baby from sickness and infections.
- It gave her child emotional comfort and connection.
But just three months later, Kuju became pregnant again. Following advice from family elders and her birth attendant, she stopped breastfeeding early. Her baby, still too young, was fed family foods with little attention—and the child fell ill often.
With each pregnancy, Kuju repeated this cycle: focusing on the newborn and weaning the older child too soon. Sadly, by age two, her second child began showing signs of severe acute malnutrition—weakness, delayed walking, and constant crying.
💡 What Mothers Can Learn
- Breastfeeding is critical in the first six months. No other food or drink is needed.
- Continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or more, even when pregnant or feeding another baby, can protect children from malnutrition.
- Stopping too early can expose babies to sickness and developmental issues.
Kuju’s story is a reminder that traditions should never outweigh science and love. A mother’s milk is nature’s perfect food—safe, strong, and irreplaceable. Let’s support every mother to breastfeed confidently, even when the journey gets complicated.
Wow! Thanks for the information.