Amira’s eyes welled up with tears as she struggled to breastfeed her newborn, Sofia. She had always dreamt of being a mum, but the reality was overwhelming. Every feeding session felt like a battle, with Sofia latching on and off, and Amira wincing in pain.
At work, things weren’t any easier. Amira’s boss didn’t understand why she needed breaks to pump, and the bathroom stall was her only option. She felt like a cow, milked for her body’s precious resource, without any dignity or support.
One day, while breastfeeding in the park, a stranger approached her and said, ‘You should cover up, it’s indecent.’ Amira felt a surge of shame and embarrassment. Was she doing something wrong? Was she failing her baby?
But then, a woman sitting nearby stood up and said, ‘Excuse me, but she’s just feeding her baby. Would you ask a bottle-fed baby to cover up? Leave her alone!’ Amira was grateful for the stranger’s defense.
As we observe World Breastfeeding Week, we recognize the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers in all aspects of life. This year’s theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” emphasizes the need for comprehensive support that addresses the diverse needs of breastfeeding women.
Breast feeding is the ideal food for infants provided by nature through the infant’s mother. However, it is appalling to witness how women especially breastfeeding mothers are treated with disdain and lack of support.
To begin with, it is essential to recognise the hardworking mothers worldwide , as regards the effort they put in the care of their little ones. The adjustment to the addition of a newborn and loss of control over their personal time and space.
Ideally, a child should be breastfed for 2 years, however, recommended to be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life before he/she is introduced to complementary feeding.
For a long time, breastfeeding mothers have been segregated. IS THIS THE RIGHT THING TO DO? Things have taken a worse turn, with occurrences like body shaming/Mum shaming of nursing mothers in their own homes, workplace and public spaces due to societal expectations as seen in the case of Amira, with little or no support.
The discrimination against Stay-at-home mothers is another cause for concern. A woman, working or not, should receive support when nursing her child. Not to forget that mother’s who have one illness or the other and desire to breastfeed their babies must be encouraged with necessary efforts put in place.
It is essential to also note that the nursing mother’s adjustment or ability to create a maternal-infant bonding can be influenced by the level of support she received in this period. Also, provision of good support at multi-levels is essential to prevent and mitigate the development of postpartum mood disorders (postpartum blues, postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis).
The World Health Organisation in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week 2024 chose the theme; Closing The Gap: Breastfeeding Support For All, with the aim to recognise the effort of breastfeeding mothers (working mums, stay-at-home mom’s), ensure they are seen and heard, and share relatable human experiences about breastfeeding and the importance of multi-level support.
This has lead to a burning question: HOW DO I CLOSE THE GAP AND PROVIDE SUPPORT TO A BREASTFEEDING MOTHER?
To truly empower breastfeeding mothers, we must address the gaps in support that exist at various levels.
These include:
GOVERNMENT/LEGISLATIVE
- Implementing policies and attitudes that value women and breastfeeding, recognising its significance for maternal and child health (e.g implementation of maternity leave plus pay with a punishment for employers who default).
HEALTH CARE
- Creating a healthcare system that is women- and breastfeeding friendly, providing accessible and knowledgeable lactation support (establishment of support groups in conjunction with Non-Governmental Organisations, intentional effort to assess breastfeeding mothers for symptoms and risk factors of postpartum depression)
- Adequate Training of Health professionals to recognise a nursing mother in need and provide/raise support for such).
- Ensure adequate support for mothers who are ill and desire to breastfeed their child.
WORKPLACE AND PUBLIC PLACES
- Respecting women’s autonomy and their right to breastfeed anytime, anywhere, without stigma or judgement (breastfeeding breaks and on-site lactation rooms ).
- Fostering solidarity and community support, encouraging open conversations and connections among breastfeeding mothers.
HOME
By closing these gaps, we can ensure that all breastfeeding mothers receive the support they need to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for breastfeeding women, acknowledging their unique experiences and challenges.
Together, we can make a difference and promote a culture that values and supports breastfeeding for all.
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