Lakes State Health ministry authorities urged mothers to breastfeed their children exclusively for six months.
Acting Director-General in the ministry Moses Tarban Ayai told mothers on Friday at Rumbek Freedom Square that babies who grow without proper breastfeeding suffer from respiratory problems, Good News Radio reported.
He told mothers that breastfeeding is good for children and that breast milk contains all the nutrients and water the baby needs for growth in the first six months of life.
Mr Ayai explained that the thick yellowish milk called colostrums protect babies from diseases by boosting their antibodies and immune system.
The Breastfeeding Week in Lakes State was commemorated on Friday after it was adjourned due to some logistic problems.