Flower firms in Naivasha have been asked to establish crèches to enable mothers working there to breastfeed their babies.
Speaking at Moi Ndabi centre in Naivasha, sub-county officer in-charge of nursing services John Gitahi said that most flower firms have no baby care centres.
“Most mothers fail to breastfeed babies for the required six months. This predisposes the children to the diseases which can be easily prevented through breastfeeding,” he said.
He observed that mothers who labour in the farms fail to breastfeed as they spend most of their time working.
The officer also asked mothers to ensure their babies are well breastfed to curb diseases that are associated with lack or improper breastfeeding. He indicated that 20 percent of babies in Naivasha and its environs are not well breastfed.
He said the situation has resulted in stunted growth and other illnesses.
The World Health organization recommends that babies be breastfed continuously for six months before being introduced to other foods.