Dr. Deepa Mohan Sharma, Consultant – Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Indiranagar, Bangalore
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of motherhood that provides significant health benefits to both the mother and the baby. However, it is often stigmatized in public places and workplaces. This leads to challenges for new mothers trying to juggle the demands of breastfeeding with their professional and social lives. Therefore, it’s important that we work towards making breastfeeding more acceptable in these settings, for the well-being of both mothers and their infants.
Despite the efforts to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding, only about 44% of infants worldwide are exclusively breastfed. Workplaces, even in well-informed societies, often lack facilities to support nursing mothers. Globally, only 20% of countries require employers to provide paid breaks and facilities for breastfeeding. The lack of nursing rooms in public and workplaces is a significant issue, considering the potential health benefits that breastfeeding offers.
The Importance of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not just the biological norm, but it is also crucial for the optimal growth and development of infants. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life, and continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary feeding up to two years of age or beyond. Breast milk provides the perfect balance of nutrients, antibodies, and hormones that promote growth and protect against infections and diseases.
For mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, aids in postpartum weight loss, and strengthens the bond with their child. It also has emotional and psychological benefits, contributing to better maternal mental health and lower incidences of postpartum depression.
However, societal attitudes and the lack of supportive environments often discourage breastfeeding. Mothers may face negative reactions when breastfeeding in public, leading to feelings of shame and embarrassment. This can discourage them from breastfeeding or force them to do so in uncomfortable and unsanitary places.
Challenges Faced by Breastfeeding Mothers
One of the most significant barriers to breastfeeding is the societal stigma attached to nursing in public. Many mothers experience negative reactions, ranging from disapproving looks to direct confrontation, when they breastfeed outside the privacy of their homes. This can lead to discouraging them to travel or work with their infant alongside them.
The workplace presents additional challenges. Many organizations lack proper facilities, such as dedicated lactation rooms, and do not offer flexible work arrangements that accommodate the needs of breastfeeding mothers. Long working hours and inflexible schedules make it difficult for mothers to maintain regular breastfeeding or pumping routines, leading to decreased milk supply and increased stress. The pressure to return to work and the lack of support can often lead to premature weaning, which may not align with the mother’s or child’s best interests.
The Legal Landscape
Legal protections for breastfeeding mothers vary widely across the globe. In some countries, laws mandate that employers provide lactation breaks and facilities, while in others, such provisions are minimal or nonexistent. For example, the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 in India requires establishments with 50 or more employees to provide crèche facilities and allow mothers four visits to the crèche per day. However, enforcement and awareness remain inconsistent, leaving many mothers without the support they need.
In many Western countries, such as the United States, the Affordable Care Act mandates that employers provide reasonable break time and a private place, other than a bathroom, for nursing mothers to express breast milk. Despite these legal frameworks, cultural perceptions still lag behind, affecting the practical implementation of these rights.
The Role of Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals play a vital role in promoting breastfeeding and supporting mothers. They can provide accurate information, address concerns, and advocate for breastfeeding-friendly environments, helping mothers make informed decisions and feel confident in their choice to breastfeed.
The Benefits of Normalisation of breastfeeding in public places and workspaces
Normalizing breastfeeding in public and workplace settings has many benefits. It can reduce stress for mothers, ensure infants receive optimal nutrition, promote gender equality, and support economic growth by allowing mothers to return to the workforce without compromising their family’s well-being.
In conclusion, breastfeeding is a natural and vital aspect of motherhood that should be supported and celebrated. By normalizing breastfeeding in workplaces and public places, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society that recognizes the importance of maternal and infant health. Everyone, including employers, policymakers, community leaders, and individuals, should take active steps towards embracing breastfeeding as a normal, healthy, and essential part of life. This can help break down barriers and foster a culture where breastfeeding is seen as the norm, not the exception.
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