Motherhood is said to be a beautiful, magical, and wonderful experience. To birth a life into existence and raise it with devotion, love, and responsibility is one of the most noble and meaningful things one can do with one’s life. Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and necessary ways to ensure the health and nourishment of a child are sufficient.
That is why World Breastfeeding Week occurs every year from August 1st–7th as a way to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding. Currently, 48% of the mothers in the world breastfeed their children. The goal is to get 70% of mothers to breastfeed their newborns by 2030.
This year, UNICEF and WHO have released a joint theme titled “Let’s make breastfeeding at work work“. The aim of this year is to advocate for workplaces to make their spaces more accessible for breastfeeding working women so that a greater number of children will receive the nutrients they need through breastmilk.
In the last decade, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding has increased by a remarkable 10 percentage points, to 48 per cent globally. Countries as diverse as Cote d’Ivoire, Marshall Islands, the Philippines, Somalia and Viet Nam have achieved large increases in breastfeeding rates, showing that progress is possible when breastfeeding is protected, promoted, and supported
– Joint Statement by UNICEF Executive Director and WHO Director-General
Babies who are not breastfed are 14 times more likely to die before they reach their first birthday than babies who are exclusively breastfed
– Joint Statement by UNICEF Executive Director and WHO Director-General
Working women should not have to choose between their family and their professional lives. When workplaces are more family-friendly, they attract working mothers as a strong, productive workforce. Work spaces can offer sufficient paid maternity leaves, designated areas for employees to breastfeed their children, and breastfeeding breaks to both facilitate their employees needs while also not losing out on productive labour.
It is through the collective support of workers, companies, government organisations, and the entire civil society that a positive change can be brought about for the next generation. For the health of the young children of the future and the development of the economy, the working world must make space for working mothers to breastfeed and properly nurture their children.
Source: World Health Organisation
