Christine Umutoni, a mother of two, exclusively breastfed both her children during their first six months and continued breastfeeding until they turned one. She said she never struggled with milk production, and both children breastfed well. Whenever she was away from home, she expressed breast milk, labelled it with the date, and stored it in the refrigerator so family members could feed the babies. ALSO READ: Why breastfeeding support is crucial for working mothers “Expressing breast milk helped me, especially on those sleepless nights when I was exhausted. My husband could feed the baby while I got some rest,” she said. Health experts say successful breastfeeding depends on more than a mother's ability to produce milk. Early initiation, proper breastfeeding techniques, family support and access to accurate information all play a crucial role. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breastfeeding protects children from malnutrition while reducing mothers' risk of diabetes, obesity and certain cancers. The organisation recommends initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months, and continuing alongside complementary foods until the child is at least two years old. ALSO READ: When the baby pays the price: Navigating the rigours of breastfeeding at work World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from August 1 to 7, raises awareness about the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and children. In Rwanda, 81.8 per cent of infants aged 0–5 months are exclusively breastfed, according to the 2024–25 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS). More than nutrition Emery Habumugisha, a midwife at Kibagabaga Level Two Teaching Hospital, said breast milk provides newborns with the essential nutrients and vitamins they need for healthy growth. Beyond nutrition, he said, breastfeeding also strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child through close physical contact. He encouraged mothers to begin breastfeeding immediately after delivery, explaining that early suckling stimulates hormones that trigger milk production. Research shows that when a baby suckles soon after birth, it signals the mother's brain to release hormones that support the transition from pregnancy to breastfeeding and establish a healthy milk supply. Support makes a difference Habumugisha said many mothers, particularly first-time mothers, need practical guidance during the early days of breastfeeding. “Sometimes, especially with their first child, mothers do not even know how to hold or position the baby properly. They need guidance, encouragement and support from healthcare workers and their families,” he said. He added that the physical and emotional changes following childbirth are often misunderstood, leaving some mothers without the support they need. “If people understand what mothers are going through, what they need and how their bodies react, it becomes easier for them to breastfeed successfully. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of information among mothers, their partners and families. The whole community needs to understand this so that we can better support mothers,” he said. Why milk supply changes Jean Yves Ntimugura, a nutritionist at the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), said breast milk contains all the nutrients babies need during their first six months of life. “Breast milk is a complete food for babies during the first six months because it contains all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development,” he said. It also contains carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and antibodies that protect babies against infections such as diarrhoea and pneumonia. Ntimugura said this is why WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, without introducing water, formula or other foods. While most mothers are capable of producing enough milk, he noted that several factors can interfere with successful breastfeeding. “Breast milk is not stored in the breast. It is produced in response to the baby's suckling, following the principle of supply and demand. The more effectively and frequently a baby breastfeeds, the more milk the mother's body produces,” he said. Poor attachment to the breast and infrequent feeding are among the leading causes of reduced milk supply, he said. Introducing formula or water before six months can also reduce breastfeeding frequency and, in turn, milk production. Premature babies or infants who are unwell may struggle to suck effectively, making breastfeeding more challenging. Maternal stress, anxiety, depression, heavy workloads after childbirth and inadequate family support can also affect breastfeeding success. Ntimugura stressed that improving breastfeeding outcomes requires collective effort. Fathers and other family members should actively support breastfeeding, mothers should maintain a balanced diet, and community health workers should continue providing counselling and nutrition education.
