The benefits extend to mothers as well, reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and lowering the likelihood of developing diabetes, according to medical literature. Comprehensive data on breastfeeding practices is limited, and little is known about the factors that determine whether mothers initiate or sustain breastfeeding over time. He added that companies should be prohibited from distributing free samples or incentives to mothers and healthcare workers. Extending maternity leave, he said, would provide a practical and immediate incentive for mothers to sustain breastfeeding. As organizations like UNICEF and the WHO continue to frame breastfeeding as a life-saving intervention, the experiences of mothers like Tigest and Alemnesh reveal a deeper reality.

Source: Ethiopian News January 31, 2026 08:14 UTC