By Karen Luhunga
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 11 – Breastmilk is the gold standard in baby nutrition. Breastfeeding has been valued for its health and bonding benefits for both mother and child even before contemporary science elucidated the reasons for its benefits.
Traditionally, Kenyan mothers breastfed their newborns for extended periods of time, typically until the child was two years old or older. So valued was the
practice that wet nursing was practiced by grandmothers in the absence of the mother despite this longstanding tradition, the pressures of urban living and workplace restraints have resulted in a decrease in breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.
Given that women make up 49.7% of the workforce, according to the World Bank, it goes without saying that the needs of nursing moms are considered in the workplace. Many working mothers face obstacles in the workplace mostly due to a lack of supportive policies and facilities. While the presidential assent of the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Bill of 2019 brought breastfeeding regulation into sharp perspective, many employers have yet to execute its
stipulations.
The bill, for example, stipulates that organizations must provide lactation rooms that are clean and safe. But in all honesty, how many companies provide a private and comfortable space for moms to breastfeed their children or pump and store breastmilk? While some employers may argue that a bathroom is sufficient, the bill states unequivocally that the area should not be a washroom and ought to have a fridge to store expressed milk as well as a table, chair, and a clean space to store equipment.
The lack of momentum in advancing breastfeeding assistance in the workplace can be attributed to societal views in one way or another. Some employers, for example, may regard a mother taking time off to nurse or express herself as a hindrance to productivity. This stems from the belief that home and work life should be kept separate and that individuals who are unable to do so are unprofessional.
It is important to remember, however, that the benefits of promoting breastfeeding at work extend far beyond the well-being of individuals. Creating breastfeeding-friendly workplaces supports a healthier and more productive future workforce since breast milk is a powerhouse of nutrients and antibodies, protecting newborns from illnesses and lowering the risk of chronic diseases later in life and cognitive full potential is achieved.
Investing in breastfeeding support is thus cost-effective in the long run. Breastfeeding lowers healthcare costs because breastfed infants are less likely to become unwell, resulting in fewer medical expenses for families and less time taken off by employees to care for sick children.
Furthermore, supporting breastfeeding mothers empowers women in the workplace by acknowledging and responding to their unique needs associated with motherhood. Without a doubt, inclusive and gender-equal work settings promote happier and more productive employees.
Employers benefit from supporting breastfeeding mothers as well, because employees who feel supported in their personal life are more likely to be loyal and productive. Breastfeeding breaks can improve employee morale and reduce stress, resulting in a more engaged and focused team.
It is better to have an employee who takes a 20-minute break every few hours and is able to concentrate on their work when they are at their desks rather than one who does not take any breaks but whose mind is elsewhere.
Not all is lost, and Kenya has made great strides in recent years in assisting breastfeeding moms at work. This shift is being driven by a greater understanding of the multiple benefits of nursing for both infants and working women. Furthermore, the 2019 Breastfeeding Mothers’; Bill
demonstrated the government’s commitment to promoting the development of child health outcomes and employment equality for mothers.
Moreover, non-governmental organizations and certain business organizations have continued to promote breastfeeding through public awareness campaigns and educational resources.
Some of them have set a good example by instituting increased maternity leave, as well as proper nursing facilities and breaks for moms at work.
As I conclude, there is little doubt that breastfeeding is a cost-effective and very straightforward strategy to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of both mother and child.
It is our collective responsibility to push for increased support for moms in our jobs and homes as they nourish the next generation. Supporting breastfeeding at work is an important step toward
empowerment and equality, which benefits individuals, businesses, and the nation.
The writer is a Nutritionist at the Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.
