Corporate environment is not conducive to exclusive breastfeeding!
Dr. Shahed Imran :
Exclusive breast feeding (EBF) is considered the gold standard for child nutrition, which significantly contributes to intellectual development and overall health of the child. Breastfeeding is the first & foremost fundamental right of a child. Exclusive breastfeeding refers that a baby mandatorily having to get breastfeeding for the period of first six months of life.
In Bangladesh, EBF as in many other contexts, refers to the practice of feeding infants with only breast milk for the first six months of life without having any additional foods, liquids, or formula, except for prescribed medicines or supplements by the registered doctor.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age, and then breastfeeding should be continued with appropriate complementary foods up to 2 years. Breastfeeding provides important nutrients for the growth, development and survival of the newborn. Despite these benefits, globally, only 44% of children aged 0-6 months are exclusively breastfed. According to the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2022, the percentage of children in Bangladesh who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their life has declined from 65% in 2018 to 55% in 2022. Research shows that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life strengthens the immune system of the child, protecting them from diarrhea and acute respiratory infections, which are the leading causes of child mortality in underdeveloped countries.
Qualitative studies conducted in Dhaka city and other urban and rural areas have found that there are considerable barriers to optimal breastfeeding practices among working mothers. However, the number of comprehensive studies targeting exclusive breast feeding practices among working mothers in the corporate sector in Bangladesh remains limited. This study examines the prevalence of breastfeeding practices among working mothers in the corporate sector of Dhaka city and identifies socio-demographic and maternal factors that influence EBF practices.
Breastfeeding enhances sensory and intellectual development and protects children from infectious and chronic diseases later in life. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) reduces infant mortality and promotes faster recovery from illness. It is also important for maternal health. Breastfeeding addresses a variety of problems, including irregular menstruation in girls. Not to breastfeed in the first six months of life is considered a risk factor for many childhood illnesses and mortality, stunting, poor school performance, and reduced productivity, as well as intellectual development.
While mothers’ desire to breastfeed is natural, sometimes environmental problems can interfere with optimal breastfeeding. Common problems that can lead to temporary or permanent cessation of breastfeeding include engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis.
Most of the mothers may be unable to overcome breastfeeding problems with conventional solutions. Several factors are responsible for the low rate of EBF. It has been suggested that cultural and traditional believes, socioeconomic conditions, mother’s work outside the home, mother’s educational level, father’s occupation, lack of knowledge and misinformation, delivery method and position, as well as mother’s health problems influence breastfeeding practices. Laws & regulations for maternity leave are other potential influencing factors. Research has shown that regularization of breastfeeding may be hampered by the working mother’s obligatory presence at their workplace. With increasing development and industrialization, more than 600,000 women have entered into the workforce.
For example, a study using data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) of 2011, 2014, and 2017-2018 explored trends and relationships between maternal employment and exclusive breastfeeding practices, highlighting the complexities and challenges that working mothers are facing in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding practices.
Promoting exclusive breastfeeding is crucial in Bangladesh to improve child health outcomes and reduce infant mortality rates. Various initiatives by the government and NGOs focus on educating mothers and communities about the importance of this practice and providing the necessary support to ensure its successful implementation.
Working environment in corporate sectors should be mothers friendly. They should maintain the maternal and paternal leave policy. By the cooperation from all corners we may achieve the desired level of Exclusive breast feeding (EBF) rate.
(The author is an Assistant Professor, Institute of Child and Mother Health , Dhaka)