This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
Every year, from August 1-7, the world comes together to celebrate the World Breastfeeding Week, a time to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of breastfeeding for the health and well-being of babies.
Launched in 1990, the week commemorates the Innocenti Declaration signed by government policymakers, WHO, Unicef, and other organizations, emphasizing the importance of breastfeeding in promoting maternal health and reducing poverty.
However, despite the growing awareness, studies have shown a decline in breastfeeding rates among career women, with many facing challenges in balancing their work and breastfeeding responsibilities.
Busy schedules, workplace dynamics, and lack of support from colleagues and employers are just a few of the barriers that hinder many working women from breastfeeding their babies exclusively and beyond one year.
But what can employers do to support breastfeeding mothers and create a conducive work environment?
Providing safe spaces for expressing breastmilk and breastfeeding, flexible hours, and return-to-work options are just a few of the ways employers can support nursing mothers and reap the benefits of a happy and productive workforce.
By empowering parents and enabling breastfeeding, we can promote maternal health, reduce poverty, and nurture the future workforce.
