Ancient Mother’s Day: Exclusive breastfeeding key to preventing infant diabetes – Doctor

2026-03-21 - 13:55

A medical doctor at Juba Teaching Hospital has warned that feeding infants on formula milk in their early months could contribute to the development of diabetes, urging mothers to strictly adhere to exclusive breastfeeding. Speaking during the commemoration of National Mother’s Day, Dr. Lucky Gloria Ambros emphasized that breast milk remains the safest and most beneficial source of nutrition for babies from birth up to six months. “I encourage all women and mothers to stick to exclusive breastfeeding from day one up to six months for them to have brilliant babies,” she said. Dr. Ambros cautioned that artificial or formula milk is not a natural substitute for breast milk and may expose infants to long-term health risks. “In some cases, babies who are introduced to this kind of milk develop complications later in life, including diabetes, without parents knowing the cause,” she warned. She underscored that exclusive breastfeeding strengthens a child’s immunity, supports brain development, and reduces the risk of infections during the most vulnerable stage of life. The doctor also called on mothers to prioritize routine immunization and attend focused antenatal care, noting that consistent medical follow-up is key to safeguarding both maternal and child health. In addition, she urged caregivers to promptly seek medical attention whenever they notice danger signs in their children, stressing that early intervention can prevent complications and save lives. Her remarks come amid ongoing efforts by health professionals to promote better infant feeding practices and reduce preventable childhood illnesses across the country.