Breaking Barriers: Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers in the Workplace

Amidst the ever-changing tides of time, women have risen as true superheroes, gracefully juggling an array of roles and responsibilities like never before. Gone are the days when a woman's sole responsibility was confined to caring for her family, especially her children. In the 80s, women shouldered the entire weight of managing the household and looking after the little ones. Then, in the 90s, the world witnessed an economic surge and rising inflation, forcing both parents to take on the daunting task of working while also nurturing their precious children. During this time, grandparents stepped in as invaluable role models for both parents and children, guiding them through the challenges of parenthood.

As the 2000s arrived, nuclear families became more prevalent, and both parents found themselves navigating the delicate balance of childcare, work, and household responsibilities. Times indeed evolved, and women transitioned from being confined to traditional roles to embracing shared parenting.

Bringing up kids is an extraordinary rollercoaster ride for parents, and for mothers, it's an emotional whirlwind like no other. The journey of breastfeeding your child is a magical adventure, where time seems to stand still as you pour your heart and soul into nurturing your little one.

In India, we are fortunate to have maternity leave that extends for 6 months, providing mothers with precious time to bond with their babies. However, in some countries, the struggle is real, as they don't receive such a generous holiday during maternity—a time when both the mother and the child need each other the most.

Breastfeeding is crucial due to its numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. Let's explore some key reasons:

1. Breast milk is uniquely designed to meet the nutritional needs of a growing baby. It contains the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for the baby's growth and development.
2. Breast milk is rich in antibodies and immune-boosting factors that help protect the baby from infections and illnesses. It provides passive immunity, offering a natural defense against various diseases during the early stages of life.
3. Breast milk is easily digestible, which means that the baby's delicate digestive system can process it more efficiently than other types of milk or formula. This reduces the risk of digestive issues such as constipation and colic.
4. Fosters a strong emotional bond between the mother and the baby. The skin-to-skin contact and close physical connection during breastfeeding promote feelings of comfort, security, and love.
5. Breast milk is always available, at the right temperature, and requires no preparation or sterilization. This makes breastfeeding a convenient and cost-effective way to nourish the baby.

Yet, as we joyously celebrate the progress of women, we must also address an essential issue that persists in workplaces. Heartbreakingly, many mothers have shared their struggles of having to express their milk in cramped toilets or small, unhygienic storerooms. While we boast advanced equipment to aid in expressing breastmilk, the absence of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding or expressing becomes a silent barrier in supporting these incredible women.

In the study conducted by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements on Child Care Practices of Mothers Working in the Informal Sector (New Delhi), in 2017 47% of women returned to work within three months of giving birth, and another 21% would return over the following three months. Of the respondents, 27% could continue to breastfeed exclusively during working hours, while 35% resorted to packaged/powder milk, and 44% fed their infants other fluids as well. so the situation in the informal sector is even more worst. One of the major reasons why we are not able to eradicate malnutrition.

Now is the time to transform workplaces for mothers. By including the following facilities, we can provide a hassle-free, empowering experience to all mothers post their maternity leave:

1. A dedicated space for expressing breastmilk or breastfeeding within the workplace, thoughtfully designed and separate from restrooms or unhygienic areas, especially for those without access to childcare facilities.
2. Mandating dedicated on-site childcare facilities or creches for women employees, extending at least until the child reaches the age of 3 years when they are ready for nursery. This allows parents to focus on work without worrying excessively about their child's health and well-being, creating a seamless transition for both mothers and children.
3. Providing a small freezer within the workplace for mothers to store their expressed breastmilk with care and ease. Proper storage is essential to ensure the child receives optimal nutrition, safety, and the utmost convenience.

By embracing and normalizing these measures in the workplace, we pave the way for mothers to return to work with joy, continue breastfeeding with confidence, and avoid the heartache of switching their child to formula milk due to the lack of support. This approach not only contributes to nourishing the future generation in the right way but also saves money, and time, and adds immense value to the organization—through the undeniable dedication and well-being of its superhero employees.

I would like to conclude by saying,?Together, through empathy, awareness, and tangible support, we can build a future where every working mother feels valued and cherished, continuing their breastfeeding journey with confidence and joy. In doing so, we honor the silent superheroes—the remarkable women—who courageously embrace the beautiful complexities of motherhood while making invaluable contributions to society.