THE 2023 observance of World Breastfeeding Week was geared at encouraging working, nursing mothers to continue the process, even after their maternity leave has ended.
International data shows more than 40% of nursing mothers are employed.
With that, countries around the world have begun laying legislation to support suckling mothers, after they report back to work. Activities were held throughout the island during the month of August.
According to the World Health Organization, “many countries have made significant progress to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates. Yet, even greater progress is possible when breastfeeding is protected and supported, particularly in the workplace.”
World breastfeeding week runs from August 1st to the 7th, however, for St. Lucia, the breastfeeding is important enough to stretch the observance over an entire month. This year’s theme was, “Enabling breastfeeding, making a difference for working parents.”
The idea behind the theme is to foster more support for working, nursing mothers, thus improving the progress of breastfeeding rates globally.
Mistress of Ceremonies, Sherline Duncan says St. Lucia is no stranger to the annual observance.
Expectant mothers of the south and their partners attended a workshop put on by officials from the Vieux Fort Wellness Center.
The session included presentations, demonstrations, and participation by the attendees. Assistant Principal Nursing Officer, Bernadette Regis in her presentation, noted a list of benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and child.
Said Regis: “We hope that this awareness allows for working mothers to express their breast milk at their various workplaces and have a suitable fridge where it is stored. According to the World Health Organization, just about 20 countries require employers to provide employees with paid breaks and facilities for breastfeeding and expressing milk.”
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George brought to light further struggles of an employed nursing mother.
“Maternal employment without adequate support is one of the serious barriers to successful breast feeding. Work related issues are a major reason why mothers do not initiate breastfeeding, or they wean their babies a lot sooner. It’s important for us to have public policies to support mothers to effectively enforce their choice to optimally breastfeed,” Belmar-George said.
According to Nutritionist, Francillia Joseph, a mother’s nutrition during the lactating period is very important.
“We’re saying to you, eat whole foods. Not even for the baby but for yourself as well, because in order for you to have a healthy baby you need to give the baby the nutrients that the baby needs in order for the baby to grow the way that he or she is supposed to grow. And in order for you too to be able to produce enough milk,” Joseph noted.
Health Minister, Moses Jn. Baptiste says his Ministry has already begun providing maternal care through Universal Health Coverage Phase 1.
Providing further support for nursing mothers, he says, is the next conversation.
Said Jn. Baptiste: “I will go back to the Cabinet of Ministers and to the Prime Minister and say to him since we have delivered this one, now we have to work on space in the workplace for breastfeeding. Charity begins at home they say and therefore we will have to find out whether we can start with our own Ministry.”
The workshop discussed other maternal topics such as proper latching and positioning techniques, expression of breast milk and breastfeeding support.