NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 7 \u2013 In the bustling life of a school teacher, Mercy Kinoti\u2014a devoted mother of two\u2014quietly embodies resilience. As her second child approached six months, she returned to work when the baby was just four months old, determined to continue exclusive breastfeeding despite the demands of her profession.<\/p>\n
Living with spina bifida, Kinoti has managed to juggle her dual roles as a teacher and a mother with admirable grace. Her journey has been made easier by the understanding and flexibility of her school and the close proximity of her home, which allows her to dash back and breastfeed during short breaks.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach morning before dawn, I diligently express milk to ensure my baby receives nature\u2019s perfect nourishment throughout the day. We don\u2019t have a refrigerator at school for milk storage, so I also rush home during breaks to breastfeed,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n Her determination, however, has not come without hurdles. Long hours spent breastfeeding or expressing milk proved taxing due to her condition, often requiring pillows for back support. The early weeks after delivery were particularly tough as her baby struggled with latching, causing discomfort and gas.<\/p>\n To make matters worse, well-meaning but misinformed relatives added pressure. \u201cSome said my baby cried because she wasn\u2019t full or that my milk wasn\u2019t enough. They even suggested adding porridge, but I trusted that my breast milk was sufficient,\u201d she recounts.<\/p>\n She also received unsolicited advice on her diet, with suggestions to avoid dairy or green vegetables. However, Kinoti followed her nutritionist\u2019s guidance, ensuring a diet rich in calcium and vitamins.<\/p>\n One particularly frustrating experience highlighted the systemic barriers faced by breastfeeding mothers\u2014especially those living with disabilities. Invited to a workshop at a hotel, Kinoti struggled to find a private, accessible space to express milk.<\/p>\n \u201cI need to wash my hands before expressing. But I wheel myself to the washroom, and by the time I\u2019m back, my hands are no longer clean. I can\u2019t risk contamination,\u201d she explains. Even on days she used crutches instead of a wheelchair, hygiene remained a major concern.<\/p>\n Kinoti advocates for designated breastfeeding and expressing rooms in public and private institutions, equipped with power sockets, clean sinks, and cold storage. She believes such provisions are crucial in supporting working mothers\u2014particularly those with disabilities\u2014on their breastfeeding journey.<\/p>\n Also an author, Kinoti has written a book on self-confidence and self-love for women struggling with self-esteem. She believes that creating safe and inclusive spaces for nursing mothers is part of affirming women\u2019s dignity and worth.<\/p>\n The Science and Support Behind Breastfeeding<\/strong><\/p>\n John Robert Muthuku, a dietician at Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH), emphasises the profound benefits of breastfeeding.<\/p>\n For mothers, it aids uterine contraction, supports weight loss, and significantly reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It also fosters emotional bonding and helps mitigate postpartum depression.<\/p>\n
![<\/a><\/p>\nHer determination, however, has not come without hurdles. Long hours spent breastfeeding or expressing milk proved taxing due to her condition, often requiring pillows for back support. The early weeks after delivery were particularly tough as her baby struggled with latching, causing discomfort and gas.<\/p>\nTo make matters worse, well-meaning but misinformed relatives added pressure. \u201cSome said my baby cried because she wasn\u2019t full or that my milk wasn\u2019t enough. They even suggested adding porridge, but I trusted that my breast milk was sufficient,\u201d she recounts.<\/p>\nShe also received unsolicited advice on her diet, with suggestions to avoid dairy or green vegetables. However, Kinoti followed her nutritionist\u2019s guidance, ensuring a diet rich in calcium and vitamins.<\/p>\nOne particularly frustrating experience highlighted the systemic barriers faced by breastfeeding mothers\u2014especially those living with disabilities. Invited to a workshop at a hotel, Kinoti struggled to find a private, accessible space to express milk.<\/p>\n\u201cI need to wash my hands before expressing. But I wheel myself to the washroom, and by the time I\u2019m back, my hands are no longer clean. I can\u2019t risk contamination,\u201d she explains. Even on days she used crutches instead of a wheelchair, hygiene remained a major concern.<\/p>\nKinoti advocates for designated breastfeeding and expressing rooms in public and private institutions, equipped with power sockets, clean sinks, and cold storage. She believes such provisions are crucial in supporting working mothers\u2014particularly those with disabilities\u2014on their breastfeeding journey.<\/p>\nAlso an author, Kinoti has written a book on self-confidence and self-love for women struggling with self-esteem. She believes that creating safe and inclusive spaces for nursing mothers is part of affirming women\u2019s dignity and worth.<\/p>\nThe Science and Support Behind Breastfeeding<\/strong><\/p>\nJohn Robert Muthuku, a dietician at Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH), emphasises the profound benefits of breastfeeding.<\/p>\nFor mothers, it aids uterine contraction, supports weight loss, and significantly reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It also fosters emotional bonding and helps mitigate postpartum depression.<\/p>\n<\/a>John Robert Muthuku, a dietician at Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH)<\/p>\nFor infants, breast milk provides all essential nutrients for the first six months. Its natural properties boost immunity, reduce the risk of asthma, allergies, and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and promote healthy brain and organ development.<\/p>\nMuthuku underscores the importance of support, especially from male partners. \u201cMen play a crucial role\u2014offering emotional support, helping with chores, and shielding mothers from harmful myths. Attending prenatal clinics together helps fathers understand and support breastfeeding,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\nHe also advises that mothers allow at least 15 minutes per breastfeed to ensure the baby receives both the hydrating foremilk and nutrient-rich hindmilk. Proper latching is essential to avoid nipple damage or mastitis.<\/p>\nA breastfeeding mother\u2019s diet should include adequate fluids (water, tea, porridge) and a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and micronutrients. Foods to avoid include tobacco, excessive caffeine, and overly processed sugars.<\/p>\nSupporting Special Needs and Systemic Interventions<\/strong><\/p>\nDr Emily Njuguna, a paediatrician and Africa Lead for Maternal and Newborn Health at PATH, emphasises that with the right support, even babies with physical or cognitive disabilities can breastfeed successfully.<\/p>\n\u201cMothers can be guided on positioning to avoid stressing affected areas. For conditions like cleft palate, special devices can aid feeding,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nShe advises mothers to start expressing milk early and regularly\u2014especially when returning to work\u2014to train the body to maintain supply. Expressed breast milk can stay at room temperature for up to 4 hours, refrigerated for 24 hours, or frozen for up to 12 months (depending on electricity reliability). Once thawed, milk should be used within 2 hours and not refrozen.<\/p>\nDr Njuguna also encourages mothers to learn basic infant first aid and ensure caregivers are properly trained.<\/p>\nAs part of a broader support system, she highlights the Human Milk Bank at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, launched in 2009 in collaboration with PATH, the Ministry of Health, and Nairobi County. It is part of a six-component model aimed at ensuring small and sick newborns receive exclusive human milk, which significantly reduces mortality and complications.<\/p>\nThis model includes training healthcare staff, ensuring consistent feeding protocols, supplying feeding devices, supporting mothers\u2019 mental health, and strengthening post-discharge follow-up.<\/p>\nDespite progress, Kenya\u2019s exclusive breastfeeding rates have plateaued at around 60%, according to the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey\u2014well below some neighbouring countries that reach 80%.<\/p>\nThis year\u2019s World Breastfeeding Week 2025 theme, \u201cPrioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems\u201d<\/em>, perfectly encapsulates Kinoti\u2019s story. It is a call to recognise that supporting breastfeeding is not just a personal responsibility\u2014it is a collective, systemic commitment to the health of mothers, children, and society at large.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 7 \u2013 In the bustling life of a school teacher, Mercy Kinoti\u2014a devoted mother of two\u2014quietly embodies resilience. As her second child approached six months, she returned to work when the baby was just four months old, determined to continue exclusive breastfeeding despite the demands of her profession. Living with spina bifida, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119395","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119395","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119395"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119395\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119395"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119395"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119395"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}](\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/news\/files\/2025\/08\/Mercy-Kinoti-mother-of-two.jpg\"){kind=link}
![<\/a>John Robert Muthuku, a dietician at Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH)<\/p>\nFor infants, breast milk provides all essential nutrients for the first six months. Its natural properties boost immunity, reduce the risk of asthma, allergies, and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and promote healthy brain and organ development.<\/p>\nMuthuku underscores the importance of support, especially from male partners. \u201cMen play a crucial role\u2014offering emotional support, helping with chores, and shielding mothers from harmful myths. Attending prenatal clinics together helps fathers understand and support breastfeeding,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\nHe also advises that mothers allow at least 15 minutes per breastfeed to ensure the baby receives both the hydrating foremilk and nutrient-rich hindmilk. Proper latching is essential to avoid nipple damage or mastitis.<\/p>\nA breastfeeding mother\u2019s diet should include adequate fluids (water, tea, porridge) and a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and micronutrients. Foods to avoid include tobacco, excessive caffeine, and overly processed sugars.<\/p>\nSupporting Special Needs and Systemic Interventions<\/strong><\/p>\nDr Emily Njuguna, a paediatrician and Africa Lead for Maternal and Newborn Health at PATH, emphasises that with the right support, even babies with physical or cognitive disabilities can breastfeed successfully.<\/p>\n\u201cMothers can be guided on positioning to avoid stressing affected areas. For conditions like cleft palate, special devices can aid feeding,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nShe advises mothers to start expressing milk early and regularly\u2014especially when returning to work\u2014to train the body to maintain supply. Expressed breast milk can stay at room temperature for up to 4 hours, refrigerated for 24 hours, or frozen for up to 12 months (depending on electricity reliability). Once thawed, milk should be used within 2 hours and not refrozen.<\/p>\nDr Njuguna also encourages mothers to learn basic infant first aid and ensure caregivers are properly trained.<\/p>\nAs part of a broader support system, she highlights the Human Milk Bank at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, launched in 2009 in collaboration with PATH, the Ministry of Health, and Nairobi County. It is part of a six-component model aimed at ensuring small and sick newborns receive exclusive human milk, which significantly reduces mortality and complications.<\/p>\nThis model includes training healthcare staff, ensuring consistent feeding protocols, supplying feeding devices, supporting mothers\u2019 mental health, and strengthening post-discharge follow-up.<\/p>\nDespite progress, Kenya\u2019s exclusive breastfeeding rates have plateaued at around 60%, according to the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey\u2014well below some neighbouring countries that reach 80%.<\/p>\nThis year\u2019s World Breastfeeding Week 2025 theme, \u201cPrioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems\u201d<\/em>, perfectly encapsulates Kinoti\u2019s story. It is a call to recognise that supporting breastfeeding is not just a personal responsibility\u2014it is a collective, systemic commitment to the health of mothers, children, and society at large.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 7 \u2013 In the bustling life of a school teacher, Mercy Kinoti\u2014a devoted mother of two\u2014quietly embodies resilience. As her second child approached six months, she returned to work when the baby was just four months old, determined to continue exclusive breastfeeding despite the demands of her profession. Living with spina bifida, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119395","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119395","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119395"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119395\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119395"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119395"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119395"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}](\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/news\/files\/2025\/08\/John-Robert-Muthuku-a-Dietician-at-KUTTRH.jpg\"){kind=link}
![<\/a><\/p>\nShe advises mothers to start expressing milk early and regularly\u2014especially when returning to work\u2014to train the body to maintain supply. Expressed breast milk can stay at room temperature for up to 4 hours, refrigerated for 24 hours, or frozen for up to 12 months (depending on electricity reliability). Once thawed, milk should be used within 2 hours and not refrozen.<\/p>\nDr Njuguna also encourages mothers to learn basic infant first aid and ensure caregivers are properly trained.<\/p>\nAs part of a broader support system, she highlights the Human Milk Bank at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, launched in 2009 in collaboration with PATH, the Ministry of Health, and Nairobi County. It is part of a six-component model aimed at ensuring small and sick newborns receive exclusive human milk, which significantly reduces mortality and complications.<\/p>\nThis model includes training healthcare staff, ensuring consistent feeding protocols, supplying feeding devices, supporting mothers\u2019 mental health, and strengthening post-discharge follow-up.<\/p>\nDespite progress, Kenya\u2019s exclusive breastfeeding rates have plateaued at around 60%, according to the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey\u2014well below some neighbouring countries that reach 80%.<\/p>\nThis year\u2019s World Breastfeeding Week 2025 theme, \u201cPrioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems\u201d<\/em>, perfectly encapsulates Kinoti\u2019s story. It is a call to recognise that supporting breastfeeding is not just a personal responsibility\u2014it is a collective, systemic commitment to the health of mothers, children, and society at large.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 7 \u2013 In the bustling life of a school teacher, Mercy Kinoti\u2014a devoted mother of two\u2014quietly embodies resilience. As her second child approached six months, she returned to work when the baby was just four months old, determined to continue exclusive breastfeeding despite the demands of her profession. Living with spina bifida, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119395","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119395","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119395"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119395\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119395"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119395"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119395"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}](\"https:\/\/www.capitalfm.co.ke\/news\/files\/2025\/08\/Dr-Emily-Njuguna-Pediatrician-PATH.jpg\"){kind=link}