Support breast feeding mothers, let them be heard.
Across the formal and informal sector, breast feeding mothers are still struggling to cope up with the six months exclusive breast feeding period, which is recommended by health experts’ world over. This is because of the day today life demands, poverty and other challenges they have to deal with, top on list being work, whether employed or self-employed.
According to research and reports by UNICEF Health, USAID, World Health Organization and Ministry of Health, Breast milk, is considered the ideal first food for newborns due to its perfect balance of nutrients, anti-bodies and enzymes that support a child’s growth and development. It is uniquely tailored to meet the changing needs of infants as they grow, offering essential proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.
“Breast feeding has life-long benefits for a child’s healthy growth and development, that’s why we recommend it. It’s very important for mothers to start breast feeding within one hour of birth and continue doing so exclusively for six months.” Ayida Aabata, Senior Communications Advisor USAID, said.
Other foods should be introduced at six months. “At six months, babies should begin eating diverse and nutritious food while breast feeding up to two years.” Ayida noted.
Teddy Namayanja, a mother of 4 children, who has worked both in the formal and informal sector highlights that in the recent era where women also have to make ends meet; it is very difficult to sit home for six months to breast feed a child. “Yes, I would love to stay home and give my baby all the care and attention she needs but then when the bills and demands come, I have no other choice but to leave the baby behind to go and work.”
She adds that babies also come with extra costs, which sometimes the father cannot meet alone. “The moment you get a baby all these extra costs with diapers, detergent, cloths and so many other expenditures begin pilling and it’s not like you can even ignore them. This leaves you no option but to go for work.”
A few employers in the formal sector give paid maternity leave of three months while others could give a month or two not paid for. This still then means that there’s no way, a mother can breast feed exclusively for the recommended six months. When it comes to the informal sector it’s even worse, employers do not give paid leave to mothers. If they’re somehow considerate, they can give a mother just a month of unpaid leave. “When I gave birth my former boss in the supermarket where I used to work, replaced me immediately I went for delivery. Because I needed money to take care of my baby, I had to find another job when my baby was only two months. My new boss didn’t allow me to bring the baby to work so I had to take the baby to the village and left the baby with my mum.” Regina Mirembe a mother of two, said.
For single mothers it’s actually worse. “The father of my first born disappeared after getting me pregnant. All expenses were on me since then to the time the baby was born, I never had the privilege other women in stable marriages or relationships have, to stay home for even a month to nurse myself and also breast feed my baby because I couldn’t leave my small business in the hands of another person.
Lack of enough breast milk, is the other reason preventing mothers from breast feeding exclusively for the six months. This is attributed to poverty, which limits mother from eating nutritious foods that support breast milk production. “94% of women in the informal sector are living in poverty so they cannot afford to even have a decent meal. This obviously affects the production of breast milk and such mothers are forced to introduce foods to their babies at an earlier stage.” These were remarks made by Dr. Martha Nakyagaba, Head of Nutrition Department Ministry of Health, during a two days training for journalists, held on August 06-07, 2024 at fairway Hotel in Kampala.
While some mothers lack food, others think there are specific foods that should be eaten, which is not true according to Dr. Martha Nakyagaba. “most people will tell you to eat offals, egg plants, Katunkuma, porridge and the likes, however what we emphasize is a balanced diet.” She said.
In addition to the above, mindset, unsupportive partners, depression and poor breast feeding positions, are the other factors contributing to less breast milk production. “Before anything else, it’s important for a breast feeding mother to have a positive attitude toward the whole process of breast feeding.” Dr Martha Nakyagaba said.
Every first week of August, Uganda joins over 120 countries across the world to commemorate the World Breast Feeding Week, aimed at reflecting on achievements, identifying gaps and renewing commitments towards better breast feeding practices. The theme for this year is; Closing the gap: Breast feeding support for all. Key stake holders have put more emphasis on recognizing breast feeding mums ensuring they are seen and heard, and share relatable human experiences about breast feeding and the importance of mult-level support.
Joselyn Nakitto is a staff writer at SML News Ug with passion in health, business, and current affairs. She can be contacted on 0709603158
