Government needs to create an environment that fosters breastfeeding among working parents

Government needs to create an environment that fosters breastfeeding among working parents

Islamabad : Imrana Komal

Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) has urged the step up and “Let´s make breastfeeding and work, work! In a press release shared on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week being observed from the 1st of August to the 7th of August 2023, SPARC highlighted the critical role of workplace support in empowering mothers to continue breastfeeding while juggling their professional responsibilities.

This year’s theme “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents” sheds light on the challenges faced by working mothers in balancing the demands of their careers with their desire to provide their babies with the best possible start in life. It is essential to understand that the success of breastfeeding greatly relies on the support and understanding from employers and co-workers.

Asiya Arif Khan, Executive Director SPARC, said that breastfeeding is a fundamental aspect of early childhood development, providing unmatched nutrition and immunity to infants, leading to better health outcomes and reduced risk of diseases. Recognizing the significance of this natural process, SPARC stands committed to creating an environment that fosters breastfeeding among working parents.

She added that over 40% of Pakistan’s children under the age of 5 years are stunted as compared to the South Asian Average of 31% (World Bank). Malnourishment can be resolved if infants are breastfed instead of given formula milk. This prevents babies from a number of short-term and long-term diseases. Importance of breast feeding should reflect at national level through policies to promote child nutrition.

Khalil Ahmed Dogar, Program Manager SPARC said that, breast feeding friendly legislation and policies exist in the country but there is a need putting policy into practice. There is a need to promote conducive workplace environment to facilitate working mothers for feeding their infants in separate designated areas. Formula milk and promotional tactics by companies need to be curtailed and checked. Evidence also suggests breast-feeding is a safe infant feeding option during disasters, be a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, flood, earthquake etc.

Breastfeeding is a critical aspect of every child’s right to good nutrition, as enshrined in the “Convention on the Rights of the Child,” which Pakistan has been a member of since November 12, 1990. Shockingly, workplace challenges remain the most common reason why women choose not to breastfeed or are forced to stop breastfeeding earlier than recommended. To combat this issue, SPARC will be working strategically during World Breastfeeding Week to raise awareness and push for necessary changes that will enable and empower working mothers to continue breastfeeding.