My Neighborhood Watch #110 - Reporting Events Around us/(4th August, 2025)

Hello everyone @Steem4Nigeria Community!
I'm thrilled to recount a recent experience around my neighborhood at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where we participated in the global celebration of World Breastfeeding Week. The event was both enriching and enjoyable, featuring learning opportunities, engagement, and a strong sense of community.

Shoot from Redmi A3X: During Health Presentation

Each year, World Breastfeeding Week provides a platform to promote the significance of breastfeeding and maternal health. This year, I had the honor of participating in the events at my workplace, the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). As a dietitian, it was gratifying to join my colleagues in advocating for this year's global theme: “Prioritize Breastfeeding, Create Sustainable Support Systems.”

Shoot from Redmi A3X: Mothers asking questions

Our day kicked off with enthusiasm as we prepared for a rally around the hospital and surrounding communities to spread awareness. With banners in hand and high spirits, we set out, but an unexpected downpour struck. Although it interrupted our rally, it didn’t dampen our spirits. We swiftly adapted our plans and moved indoors for the main event — an educational session at the Antenatal Clinic.

Shoot from Redmi A3X: Antenal clinic @UCTH

In the clinic, we conducted a health talk for expectant mothers and their partners, focusing on the subtheme “Sustaining Exclusive Breastfeeding Through Optimal Maternal Nutrition.” My colleague did an exceptional job, explaining how a mother’s nutrition influences the quality and quantity of breast milk, thereby impacting the success of exclusive breastfeeding. She urged the mothers to consume balanced, nutrient-rich meals and stay hydrated, particularly during lactation.

The mothers were highly engaged, actively listening and posing questions after the talk, reflecting their eagerness to learn. Some asked about budget-friendly meal options that could enhance milk production, while others raised questions about cultural myths related to breastfeeding. It was a vibrant and enlightening experience for everyone involved.

Shoot from Redmi A3X: Dietitians with the IT Students

After the session, we took group photos alongside the mothers and our IT students who helped with the event. The atmosphere was festive as we sang and danced together. The mothers joyfully participated, clapping and smiling as we celebrated the essence of motherhood and nourishment, creating an environment that felt more like a family gathering than a formal health initiative.

Eventually, we returned to our respective duties, but the joy and camaraderie experienced during the event remained with us. Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week served as a reminder of the vital role we play in supporting mothers and nurturing future generations — one mother, one baby, and one meal at a time.

Shoot from Redmi A3X: cross section of Dietitians

I call on to share in the knowledge and experienced @etette @machukky @mayjay @nsisong2022