Breastfeeding plays a pivotal role in reducing postpartum depression and infant mortality for up to six months after childbirth. However, the challenge lies in addressing the needs of working mothers in this regard.
This concern took center stage during a seminar held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The seminar underscored the importance of creating a supportive workplace environment for working parents, specifically to facilitate breastfeeding.
Optimal infant and young child feeding practices are crucial for the health and survival of children. Breast milk stands as the ultimate source of nutrition, meeting all the requirements of infants for their first six months.
Thus, early breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding, within the first hour of life is highly recommended.
Deepika Mehrish Sharma, program officer for Child Development & Nutrition at Unicef, highlighted, “Breastfeeding remains highly significant for both the child and the mother for up to six months after childbirth. It aids in swiftly overcoming postpartum depression for the mother. Therefore, it's crucial for working mothers to avail themselves of this advantage.”
Substituting breast milk with alternatives poses risks for children. Dr VedPrkash Gautum, Corporate Alliance Specialist at Unicef, stressed the need to discourage such practices and promote exclusive breastfeeding.
Tasnim Reza Zaki, Senior Executive for Compliance, CSR & Sustainability at Northern Tosrifa, shared insights from her company's experience.
She noted that 70-80% of mothers working in the garment industry do not return to work after giving birth. Zaki highlighted the positive impact of having dedicated child care rooms at workplaces, allowing mothers to breastfeed their children and take breaks, thereby contributing to better mental health for both mother and child.
Guided by national and global policies, the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Labour and Employment (MoLE) in Bangladesh launched the "MOTHERS@WORK" initiative. This initiative aims to create a conducive environment within workplaces, including the crucial Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector, to empower working women to exercise their maternity rights and access breastfeeding support.
According to the law, a company with at least 40 female employees should establish a child care corner.
Maruf Khan, Team Leader at ILO, BWB, emphasized that concerted efforts from the government, employers, and labor representatives can enhance child care provisions for mothers, further advancing this cause.