Rochdale GP welcomes initiative for workplaces to make breastfeeding more accessible

A Rochdale GP has welcomed an international initiative for workplaces to make breastfeeding more accessible.

Dr Anita Sharma, who is also the founder of a women’s health charity – Endometriosis Charity North West – says the World Health Organization and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) message of “let’s make breastfeeding and work, work” should be spread to every workplace.

The powerful message was this year’s theme for World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August).

The World Health Organization and UNICEF say the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding has increased to 48% globally, adding that “promoting and supporting breastfeeding at workplaces can help drive the progress higher and towards the global target of 70 per cent by 2030.”
 

Read more: Breastfeeding Welcome across the Rochdale boroughPublished: 15 May 2023

Dr Sharma adds that whilst government is investing money to improve women’s health, this should also be in the workplace to provide a safe environment for breast feeding.

She said: “Many workplaces do not provide a safe environment for breast feeding.

“Breast feeding is a natural way to provide the baby with essential nutrients and antibodies. It also lowers the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is beneficial not only to baby but also to mum, establishing a strong bond between mum and baby, helping postpartum weight loss.

“WHO and UNICEF are supporting breastfeeding for working women. There is enough evidence that lack of infrastructure, as well as physical and emotional support, are to blame for the struggle and stigma women experience while trying to manage breastfeeding when they return to work.

“Let us work together and spread the message of WHO and UNICEF to every workplace. Make it convenient with no more challenges. 4 S's for every work place can achieve an increase to the global target of 70 percent by 2030: Step up; Support; Space at work for breast feeding; and Stop the stigma and struggle.

“Together we can make a difference. Let us start today.”

The joint statement by UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell and WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reads: “The barriers women and families face to achieve their breastfeeding goals must be addressed.

“Supportive workplaces are key. Evidence shows that while breastfeeding rates drop significantly for women when they return to work, that negative impact can be reversed when workplaces facilitate mothers to continue to breastfeed their babies.

“Supporting breastfeeding in the workplace is good for mothers, babies, and businesses, and that is why UNICEF and WHO are calling on governments, donors, civil society, and the private sector to step up efforts to ensure a supportive breastfeeding environment for all working mothers; provide sufficient paid leave to all working parents and caregivers, and increase investments in breastfeeding support policies and programmes.”