Breastfeeding vs. the boardroom: Workplace barriers to breastfeeding

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is considered the gold standard for child nutrition, significantly contributing to the intellectual development and overall health of a child. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age.

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients crucial for a newborn's growth, development, and survival. Despite these well-established benefits, globally only 44% of infants aged 0–6 months are exclusively breastfed. Alarmingly, according to the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2022, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Bangladesh has declined from 65% in 2018 to 55% in 2022.

Research shows that exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months strengthens a child's immune system, protecting them from diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections—leading causes of child mortality in underdeveloped countries.

Qualitative studies conducted in Dhaka and other urban and rural areas have identified significant barriers to optimal breastfeeding practices among working mothers. However, comprehensive research focusing specifically on exclusive breastfeeding practices among corporate-sector working mothers in Bangladesh remains limited.

Breastfeeding not only enhances sensory and intellectual development but also protects children from infectious and chronic diseases later in life. It reduces infant mortality, speeds up recovery from illness, and offers long-term benefits for maternal health, including regulating menstrual cycles. Failure to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months is linked to various childhood illnesses, stunted growth, poor academic performance, reduced productivity, and compromised intellectual development.

While the desire to breastfeed is natural for mothers, environmental challenges can often disrupt this process. Common issues such as breast engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis can lead to temporary or permanent cessation of breastfeeding.

Several factors contribute to the low EBF rates, including cultural and traditional beliefs, socioeconomic conditions, maternal employment, educational background, father's occupation, misinformation, delivery method and positioning, and maternal health complications.

Additionally, inadequate laws and regulations surrounding maternity leave pose significant challenges. Studies suggest that a mother's mandatory presence at the workplace can hinder consistent breastfeeding. With rapid development and industrialisation, over 600,000 women have joined the workforce in Bangladesh, making this issue even more pressing.

Promoting exclusive breastfeeding is vital for improving child health outcomes and reducing infant mortality rates in Bangladesh. Government and NGO initiatives are working to educate mothers and communities about EBF and to provide the necessary support for its successful practice.

Corporate workplaces need to become more mother-friendly. Implementing and maintaining inclusive maternity and paternity leave policies is essential. With cooperation from all sectors, Bangladesh can work toward achieving a higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding—benefiting not just mothers and children, but society as a whole.

The writer is an assistant professor at the Institute of Child and Mother Health, Dhaka. E-mail: [email protected]