2023-08-04 04:00:12
In Mexico, only 28% of children under six months are exclusively breastfed.
One of the complications that women face to continue breastfeeding is having to return to their workplaces.
Companies that support breastfeeding reduce work absenteeism for health reasons by up to 50% during the baby’s first year of life.
Over the years, society has moved towards the inclusion and recognition of the rights of working women, including the right to Breastfeeding. At the same time, it is a reality that this practice is at one of its lowest levels on record.
Although breastfeeding may seem like an activity that only includes mom and baby, it goes beyond that. In accordance with Stephanie RodriguezBoppy Certified Lactation Consultant, a fundamental key to achieving successful breastfeeding is the support that surrounds the mother, and this includes the family, the partner and the workplace.
“The emotional and practical support a nursing mother receives is essential for her to feel confident and secure in her decision to breastfeed while working. The presence of an understanding and supportive environment not only benefits the mother, but also positively impacts the health and well-being of the baby”.
The first food that all babies should receive
Although the The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months. and in a complementary way, together with other foods, up to two years of age or more, the National Health Survey carried out in 2018 indicates that, in Mexico, 28% of children under six months of age are fed exclusively with breast milk. While only 10.8% of mothers who work outside the home manage to breastfeed their baby at this stage.
“When the mother returns to work, breastfeeding faces new challenges for both mother and baby, so it is crucial to recognize that this transition period requires support, understanding and flexibility as the mother may experience stress and fatigue. balancing her role as worker and nursing, while the baby may feel the emotional separation during work hours. However, with the right support in the work environment and at home, it is possible to overcome these obstacles and maintain successful and mutually beneficial breastfeeding.
Benefits for working moms and companies
support the Breastfeeding at work is essential to promote the health and well-being of mothers and babies. With this in mind, we share with you the main benefits it offers within the workplace.
Recovery: Although the recovery process for a C-section or delivery is estimated to be about 6 weeks, breastfeeding is known to help the mother’s uterus return to its normal size more quickly after delivery, as it can reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and aid in recovery. For this reason, it is important to continue breastfeeding when the mother returns to work after her maternity leave. Reduced risk of disease: Breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of developing certain diseases, such as breast and ovarian cancer, as well as osteoporosis in the future. Emotional bond: Breastfeeding strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby, which contributes to greater attachment and emotional well-being for both. Stress reduction: During the act of breastfeeding, the body releases hormones that help reduce stress and anxiety in the mother, so continuing to breastfeed in the workplace will help her feel calmer and more focused on her work. . Less absenteeism: Breastfeeding strengthens the health of mother and baby, and it has been proven that a company that supports breastfeeding reduces absenteeism from work for health reasons by 50% during the baby’s first year of life, which also reduces higher medical expenses and promotes a culture of health.
The combination of work responsibilities and the demand of breastfeeding can generate stress and fatigue in the mother, in addition to the fact that fatigue and pressure can affect the production and perception of the breastfeeding experience.
Also read:
Breastfeeding: Benefits for mothers, babies, hospitals and the environment
List with all the health events of August: From Breastfeeding Week to Dengue Day
IMSS makes history: Inaugurates its first Breastfeeding Room inside a hospital
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