As August rolls in, the global spotlight turns to World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), running from August 1st to 7th, with this year’s theme, "Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All." This theme highlights a crucial mission: ensuring that every mother, regardless of her circumstances, has access to the support and resources needed to successfully breastfeed.
Breastfeeding is a cornerstone of infant health, offering critical nutrition and fostering a strong mother-child bond. Yet, disparities in breastfeeding support remain significant. Many mothers face barriers such as inadequate healthcare guidance, unsupportive workplaces, or social stigmas, which can hinder their ability to breastfeed.
Many Nigerian mothers face challenges in continuing breastfeeding after returning to work due to inadequate maternity leave policies and unsupportive workplace environments. Short leave periods and the lack of designated breastfeeding areas make it difficult for working mothers to maintain their breastfeeding routines.
This year’s theme underscores the importance of supportive policies. Advocating for extended maternity leave and creating breastfeeding-friendly workplaces are essential steps in closing the support gap. Labour Act, Chapter 198, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990. Since the 2009 Nigerian Labour Law, female public-sector employees have been granted 16 weeks of maternity leave at full pay and two hours off-duty every day once back to work to breastfeed or express breastmilk.
On June 30, 2024, the Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) urged legislators across the 36 states of the country to pass laws for mandatory six-month maternity leave for nursing mothers.
In the United States, Jessica, a new mother working long hours, struggled to maintain her breastfeeding routine due to a lack of workplace accommodations. This year's WBW theme resonated with local advocacy groups, who rallied for better breastfeeding policies and created support networks that helped Jessica and others like her access necessary resources and community backing.
In rural India, a government initiative has been gaining traction, aiming to bridge the support gap by training healthcare workers to offer consistent breastfeeding advice and assistance in underserved areas. This effort is helping to ensure that even the most remote communities have access to crucial breastfeeding support.
Sweden, known for its robust parental leave and breastfeeding-friendly policies, continues to set an example of how systemic support can close gaps in breastfeeding practices. The country's comprehensive approach serves as a benchmark for others striving to create inclusive support systems.
World Breastfeeding Week 2024 reminds us that closing the gap in breastfeeding support requires a collective effort. By advocating for inclusive policies, providing accessible resources, and fostering supportive environments, we can ensure that every mother receives the help she needs. This week, let's commit to bridging these gaps and supporting all mothers in their breastfeeding journeys.
