Empowering Working Parents: Making Breastfeeding at Work, Work in India"

Introduction

World Breastfeeding Week occurs annually from August 1st to 7th. It promotes breastfeeding's importance for infants and mothers. Breastfeeding provides nutrients, immunity, and emotional bonding. The week involves events and discussions to raise awareness and address challenges. This World Breastfeeding Week, under its theme, “Let’s make breastfeeding at work, work”?– UNICEF and WHO are emphasizing the need for greater breastfeeding support across all workplaces to sustain and improve progress on breastfeeding rates globally.

History of World Breastfeeding Week

Originating from a collaborative effort by the WHO and UNICEF, the history of World Breastfeeding Week traces back to 1989. Their joint statement titled "Protecting, Promoting, and Supporting Breastfeeding: The Special Role of Maternity Services" highlighted the multifaceted benefits of breastfeeding for maternal and child health, the environment, and accessibility. The declaration advocated for reshaping public perceptions and enhancing cultural support for breastfeeding.

In 1990, the Innocenti Declaration emerged, uniting government policymakers, UN health entities, and organizations to champion breastfeeding protection, promotion, and support. This momentum led to the establishment of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) in 1991—a global network advocating breastfeeding. Since 1992, Breastfeeding Week has been observed annually as a global campaign in 170 countries.

Breast Feeding Rates in India as per NFHS

Challenges in improving Breast Feeding rates in India

Improving breastfeeding rates in India faces a range of challenges that stem from social, cultural, economic, and healthcare factors. Some of the key challenges include:

Suggestions for Improving Breast Feeding Rates for Working Women

Supporting working women in breastfeeding is crucial to ensure that they can continue breastfeeding while maintaining their careers. Here are specific strategies to improve breastfeeding rates for working women in India:

Innovative Initiatives from other countries that aim to improve breastfeeding rates

1. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) - Global
2. Brazil's "National Breastfeeding Program" - Brazil
3. Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Programs - USA
4. Baby-Led Breastfeeding - Sweden
5. "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" Scheme - New Zealand
6. "Breastfeeding Buddies" - Canada:
7. "Breastfeeding Promotion and Support Network" - Philippines
8. "Baby Cafés" - Australia
9. "1000 Days Initiative" - Ethiopia
10. "Breastfeeding Hubs" - Bangladesh
11. "Breastfeeding Support Groups" - Nigeria
12. "Mobile Clinics" - Malawi
13. "Breastfeeding Promoters" - Guatemala
14. "Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative" - Mozambique
15. "Milk Donation Programs" - Pakistan

Other Innovations in India

1. Breastfeeding Corners at Airports: Several airports in India, such as Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai), have established breastfeeding corners or nursing rooms. These spaces provide privacy, comfortable seating, and amenities for breastfeeding and expressing milk.
2. Breastfeeding and Child Care Rooms at Railway Stations: Some major railway stations in India, including New Delhi Railway Station, have introduced breastfeeding and child care rooms. These rooms offer facilities for breastfeeding and changing diapers, catering to the needs of mothers traveling with infants.
3. Nursing and Baby Care Rooms at Metro Stations: Certain metro systems in India, like the Delhi Metro, have set up nursing and baby care rooms at select stations. These rooms provide a comfortable and private space for breastfeeding and changing diapers.
4. Lactation Rooms at Bus Terminals: Some bus terminals, like Kempegowda Bus Station (Bangalore), have established lactation rooms. These rooms offer breastfeeding mothers a quiet and hygienic space to nurse or pump milk.
5. Breastfeeding Corners in Malls and Public Spaces: While not directly related to transportation hubs, some malls and public spaces in India have started incorporating breastfeeding corners. These areas provide mothers with a convenient and private place to breastfeed while out and about.
6. Mobile Breastfeeding Vans: In Kerala, a unique initiative involves mobile breastfeeding vans that travel to different locations, including transportation hubs. These vans offer a private space for mothers to breastfeed or express milk.
7. Breastfeeding Zones in Trains: Indian Railways has taken steps to improve facilities for breastfeeding mothers on trains. Some trains are equipped with designated breastfeeding zones that offer privacy and comfort for nursing mothers.
8. "Nursing Nooks" at Airports: Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport introduced "Nursing Nooks" where mothers can breastfeed or express milk. These dedicated areas provide a comfortable environment for breastfeeding mothers.

These examples demonstrate India's efforts to create breastfeeding-friendly spaces at transportation hubs and public places. While these initiatives are gradually gaining traction, there is still room for further expansion and improvement to ensure that mothers have convenient and supportive options for breastfeeding while traveling or visiting public spaces.

Conclusion

As our nation strides towards progress, let us ensure that working mothers are equipped with not just job opportunities, but also with the invaluable privilege of nurturing their children through breastfeeding. By advocating for maternity rights, gender-inclusive parenting, and workplaces that embrace both careers and caregiving, we pave the way for a brighter, healthier India where every child's potential is nurtured and every mother's journey celebrated.