In a remarkable display of self-control and dedication to the well-being of his family, a road engineering artisan, Okashatu Zubairu has successfully overcome the unusual urge to suck his wife’s breast milk.
Mr. Zubairu, a devoted husband and father of four, successfully stopped sucking his wife’s breast milk after his doctor warned him of the potential risks to his wife’s health and their baby’s well-being.
After the birth of his child, Mr. Zubairu found himself struggling with the unusual desire to suck his wife’s breast milk. However, during a routine checkup, his doctor counseled him on the dangers of this behavior.
“My doctor told me that sucking my wife’s breast milk could lead to infection and compromise her health, which would ultimately affect our baby’s health,” Mr. Zubairu explained in an interview. “I realized that I had to stop immediately to protect my family.”
With his doctor’s warning, Mr. Okashatu resisted the urge, citing concerns about infection and the potential harm to his wife and child. He also acknowledged the importance of respecting personal boundaries and social norms.
“I’m grateful for my doctor’s advice and my wife’s support,” he said. “I am proud of myself for making the right decision and prioritizing my family’s health and well-being.
“He (doctor) also made me understand how nourished my child would be if I stopped sucking breast milk and insist on feeding my child with only breast milk at least, for the first six months. I heeded his advice and honestly, I am happy because apart from the fact that I didn’t spend a kobo on baby supplements, my child looked healthy and fresh.
“My advice to men everywhere is to put the health of their children and wife first before their own desire. In the end, we are the biggest beneficiaries because it reduces the burden we bear if our family get sick and the associated expenses that come with it.”
Meanwhile, the UNICEF Nutrition Specialist Bauchi field office, Philomena Irene, in a chat with newsmen advocated for the inclusion of fathers in the campaign for exclusive breastfeeding.
Lamenting that more than 80 percent of mothers do not practice exclusive breastfeeding as indicated by 2021 MICs report, she argued that since men are the leaders in most homes, it’s ideal to get them involved in championing the campaign for exclusive breastfeeding.
Irene emphasized that exclusive breastfeeding is the first immunization for a child and is safe, affordable and environmentally friendly and protects the child’s antibodies.
“To achieve this, we are talking to fathers, and family members, including grandmothers, about committing to exclusive breastfeeding for the baby’s first six months. No water or other liquids or food. Fathers should check with their wives about how the plan for feeding the baby is going, at least once a week,” she said.
(Vanguard)