Workplaces not mom-friendly, says report

With the breastfeeding week being celebrated, many groups are initiating the conversation about the need for basic facilities for young mothers at work place. Young mothers, who go back to work after delivering, often feel that there is not an exclusive space for them to pump the breast milk that can be used to feed the baby once they are back home. 

Reports also suggest that many women stop coming to work after delivering a child and take a break. “I went back to work three months after delivering my baby. Though the office is supportive and allows me to leave early, it is not enough. I miss being with my child and sometimes have to rush home. If there was a crèche facility, things would be much easier. I am contemplating on whether to work or not,” says S Malathi, an IT employee.

Most of the IT companies give 24-26 weeks of maternity leave, but even the top IT companies do not have facilities like a separate room for lactating mothers to pump their milk. Sharanya Govindarajalu, a businesswoman and a mother of two, says, “We spend long hours in office and there must be facilities to pump the milk in a hygienic environment. It cannot be done in a restroom because of the germs.” 

Breastfeeding Support For Indian Mothers (BSIM) is organising a Breastfeeding awareness walk on Sunday at Besant Nagar. More than 50 women are expected to participate in the rally, aimed at creating awareness on benefits of breastfeeding. 

“BSIM is an online group that has over 50,000 followers. Throughout the week we have a series of talks at hospitals and workplaces where we will be talking about the importance of breastfeeding,” says Wahida Satish Kumar, peer counsellor at BSIM. 

Breast milk is considered to be the best food for the newborns, as it contains antibodies that help them fight against various viruses and bacteria. “There are so many doubts that young mothers have, which they post online and we help them out. We promote natural parenting and encourage women to donate breast milk for babies in need,” she added. Through this awareness walk, the organisers want more mothers to participate and spread a word about healthy ways of parenting.