By Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy way to feed a baby.
It provides essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect babies from illness.
Breastfeeding also has many benefits for mothers, including reducing the risk of postpartum depression and cancer.
Despite the many benefits of breastfeeding, not enough women in Sri Lanka do it.
A recent workshop to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week highlighted some of the reasons why women may not breastfeed, as well as ways to improve breastfeeding rates in the country.
One of the main reasons why women may not breastfeed is because they return to work early after childbirth. In Sri Lanka, the legal maternity leave is 81 days.
However, many women cannot afford to take this much time off work. They may also feel pressure from their employers to return to work early.
Another reason why women may not breastfeed is because they do not have enough support. They may not have access to information about breastfeeding or to breastfeeding support groups. They may also feel embarrassed or uncomfortable breastfeeding in public.
The workshop also discussed the role of the formula milk industry in discouraging breastfeeding.
Formula milk companies often use aggressive marketing tactics to convince mothers that their products are better than breast milk. They may also offer free samples or discounts to mothers who switch to formula.
The workshop concluded by calling for action to improve breastfeeding rates in Sri Lanka.
These actions include:
- Increasing the length of maternity leave
- Providing more support for breastfeeding mothers, such as breastfeeding rooms in workplaces and public places
- Regulating the marketing of formula milk
- Educating the public about the benefits of breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding is a vital part of a healthy pregnancy and postpartum period. By taking steps to improve breastfeeding
- rates, we can help ensure that all babies in Sri Lanka have the best possible start in life.
