How six months’ maternity leave helps mothers recover, babies thrive

Women in Nigerian states and federal institutions that provide six months of paid maternity leave are sharing compelling accounts of its life-changing benefits, strongly advocating for its nationwide adoption, including by private organizations. These extended leaves are credited with providing adequate recovery time, particularly after Cesarean section deliveries, enabling mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the recommended first six months, and facilitating a healthier, more productive return to work.

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I was very excited. With my first child, I only had three months, and it was not enough. Knowing I had six months this time gave me so much peace of mind.

One such account comes from Abidemi, a health worker in Ekiti State. Reflecting on her first child's birth under a previous three-month maternity leave policy, she recalled the constant worry about her infant's welfare, the challenges of managing breastfeeding while returning to work, and the early introduction of formula. This experience contrasted sharply with the peace of mind she gained with her second child after Ekiti State approved six months of maternity leave for civil servants in February 2020.

"I was very excited. With my first child, I only had three months, and it was not enough. Knowing I had six months this time gave me so much peace of mind," Abidemi shared. She underwent a Cesarean section for her second child, and the additional three months allowed her body to heal properly. This extended period enabled her to exclusively breastfeed her baby for the full six months, a goal she couldn't achieve with her first child.

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Physically, I had enough time to recover fully before doing any strenuous work. Emotionally and mentally, I was more stable because I wasn’t rushing to resume work while still healing.

Abidemi emphasized the profound physical, emotional, and mental benefits. "Physically, I had enough time to recover fully before doing any strenuous work. Emotionally and mentally, I was more stable because I wasn’t rushing to resume work while still healing," she stated. She also noted that her second baby was healthier and experienced fewer illnesses compared to her first. The extra time allowed Abidemi to cherish crucial milestones, moments she would have missed had she been away at work.

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I was able to exclusively breastfeed my baby for the full six months. With my first child, I had to introduce formula at four months because I resumed work. This time, my baby was healthier, had fewer illnesses, and I didn’t have to worry about expressing milk or leaving the baby too early.