Workplaces in India lack required breastfeeding facilities: Study

As per a new study working women in different metro cities of India including Chennai have said that there are no proper facilities or infrastructure in their workplace, if they want to breastfeed their babies.

Medela India which conducted Medela Breastfeed India Survey 2017 revealed some shocking facts. When it comes to availability of breastfeeding facilities in the workplace, more than 50 percent of working women are not supported by such facilities.

The feeling within the working women is that corporates houses don't have the required breastfeeding and lactation facilities and even lack accessories like creches, breast pumps .

The survey indicated that 78 percent of mothers in India planned to breastfeed their babies for the starting six months after delivery to ensure a healthy foundation for them. However, 54 percent of them had to let go of their career aspirations once they became a mother.

Many new mothers in India have to fulfil the responsibility of both motherhood and workplace. They have to juggle between both the responsibilities and ensure none is affected. Therefore corporate houses need to play a greater role in providing mothers with facilities where they can take care of their babies.

World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that mothers should breastfeed their infants till the age of two because this strengthens the emotional bond between the mother and baby. Breastfeeding also helps the mother to reduce the abdominal fat which she gains during pregnancy.

Breast milk is very important for the health of the infant and it should be the only diet provided to the baby for the first six months. Breastfeeding protects the child from many infections and allergies.

The world is celebrating Breastfeeding week from August 1 to August 7.