Better Breastfeeding Policies could save $1 billion per day

Breastfeeding plays a pivotal role not only in the health and well-being of infants but also in shaping the global economy. According to recent research in Canada, breastfeeding infants for the recommended duration can significantly boost their immunity, protecting them from various diseases and reducing infant mortality rates. This life-saving practice also presents a remarkable financial advantage, as insufficient breastfeeding is responsible for increased healthcare costs and productivity losses, amounting to an astonishing $1 billion daily in global economic impact.

The Critical Role of Breastfeeding

The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends that mothers breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first six months of life. Breast milk provides all the essential nutrients a baby needs during this crucial growth period. After six months, a combination of breastfeeding and the introduction of semi-solid foods can be continued for up to two years or longer. Despite these recommendations, only 40% of infants globally are breastfed exclusively for the first six months, according to a United Nations report. The same report highlighted that nearly 820,000 child deaths could be prevented annually if optimal breastfeeding practices were followed.

Economic Impact of Insufficient Breastfeeding

The financial cost of not breastfeeding is staggering. The $1 billion per day lost to the global economy is a combination of direct healthcare expenses due to diseases that could have been prevented and indirect losses in productivity as a result of parents needing to care for sick children. Increased rates of conditions such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, and malnutrition – all of which are more prevalent in non-breastfed infants – drive up medical expenses. Additionally, parents frequently miss work to care for sick infants, contributing to a reduction in workforce productivity.

Beyond the immediate financial implications, there is also a long-term societal impact. Children who are not breastfed are at higher risk for chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease later in life, which adds a further economic burden through increased healthcare needs and lost economic potential.

Breastfeeding Guide: Things A Mom Should Know

Barriers to Breastfeeding: Why Are Mothers Struggling?

Despite the overwhelming benefits of breastfeeding, a multitude of barriers prevent many women from successfully breastfeeding their children. These barriers can be cultural, societal, personal, and even structural.

1. Lack of Knowledge and Education

Many new mothers do not receive adequate education on breastfeeding before giving birth. Without sufficient information on how to properly breastfeed, or the knowledge of its critical role in an infant’s health, mothers may give up early or never start. Additionally, many women are not aware of the health benefits that breastfeeding provides to both the baby and the mother, which can include reduced risk of infections for the baby and lower chances of developing breast cancer for the mother.

2. Misconceptions About Formula Feeding

The misconception that formula is an equivalent alternative to breast milk is widespread. While formula can be a necessary option in certain cases, it lacks many of the antibodies, enzymes, and hormones found in breast milk that are essential for an infant’s immune system and development. Early introduction of formula feeding can also lead to challenges in establishing a consistent breastfeeding routine, creating a barrier to breastfeeding success.

In some cultures and societies, breastfeeding is still stigmatized, with public breastfeeding seen as inappropriate or shameful. Women may feel discouraged or embarrassed to breastfeed in public, leading them to stop breastfeeding earlier than recommended. The normalization of bottle-feeding in these societies can create an additional psychological barrier, making breastfeeding appear less desirable.

4. Lack of Family Support

Family support is essential for a breastfeeding mother, yet many women face resistance from their partners, parents, or in-laws who may not understand the importance of breastfeeding or hold outdated beliefs about infant feeding. This lack of support can erode a mother’s confidence in her ability to breastfeed and make the experience more stressful, leading to an early cessation of breastfeeding.

5. Challenges at Public and Private Venues

Mothers frequently face challenges when breastfeeding in public due to the absence of designated breastfeeding areas or facilities. Many feel uncomfortable feeding their infants in public places due to disapproving looks or comments from others. The lack of supportive infrastructure, such as clean and private breastfeeding rooms, adds to the difficulty of maintaining breastfeeding in public.

6. Workplace Challenges

For many working mothers, returning to work presents a significant challenge to continuing breastfeeding. Many workplaces lack private areas where mothers can express milk or do not provide nursing breaks to accommodate breastfeeding. This can lead mothers to wean their babies earlier than intended, contributing to suboptimal breastfeeding rates. Implementing workplace policies that support breastfeeding can make a crucial difference.

7. Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes

The aggressive marketing of formula and other alternatives to breastfeeding by companies contributes to the problem. Many mothers are swayed by these advertisements, which often claim that formula is just as good as breast milk, without a full understanding of the unique benefits of breastfeeding. These promotions can undermine breastfeeding practices, especially in communities where breastfeeding education is lacking.

Motherhood, Breastfeeding, And The Workplace

Solutions: How to Break Down Barriers to Breastfeeding?

Addressing the challenges that prevent women from breastfeeding requires coordinated efforts from governments, healthcare providers, employers, and communities.

1. Public Awareness Campaigns

Educational campaigns that promote the benefits of breastfeeding and dispel myths about formula feeding can go a long way in raising awareness. Hospitals and healthcare providers should also take the lead in educating new mothers about breastfeeding, offering lactation support services, and providing accurate, accessible information.

2. Workplace Support for Breastfeeding Mothers

Employers need to take responsibility for supporting breastfeeding mothers by providing paid maternity leave, nursing breaks, and private spaces for breastfeeding or expressing milk. Flexible work arrangements can also allow mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. Companies can implement programs that educate employees on breastfeeding and its importance for the well-being of both the mother and the child.

3. Improved Public Infrastructure

Creating breastfeeding-friendly spaces in public areas, such as shopping malls, parks, and airports, can help mothers feel more comfortable feeding their babies when they are out and about. Government policies that encourage the development of these spaces can promote a supportive environment for breastfeeding.

4. Community and Family Support

Families and communities must be educated about the benefits of breastfeeding so they can provide emotional and practical support to new mothers. Family members, particularly partners, play a key role in encouraging breastfeeding and ensuring mothers feel confident and supported during the process.

Conclusion

The impact of breastfeeding extends far beyond the health of individual children; it has the potential to save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and boost economic productivity. It is essential that communities, governments, and employers work together to break down the barriers to breastfeeding, ensuring that every child has the best possible start in life. Providing comprehensive breastfeeding support will not only benefit mothers and babies but also contribute to a healthier, more prosperous world.