Australian scientists have proposed that breastfeeding be considered work | Health

Scientists believe that to achieve gender equality, the state should treat breastfeeding as a work activity, The Conversation reports.

Australian scientists note that after the birth of a child, women’s incomes are reduced, sometimes by 55% or more. Sociologists propose to combat such a phenomenon as the “maternity penalty” by increasing paid leave for mothers to care for their baby and providing them with access to preschool education.

At the same time, the authors of a publication in the scientific journal Frontiers in Public Health indicate that measures to improve the economic situation of mothers should include support for breastfeeding. It is noted that, contrary to the recommendations of the World Health Organization to breastfeed children for two or more years, many women transfer their babies to formula milk much earlier. The fact is that many of them cannot take a child to work. In addition, many companies have a negative attitude towards breastfeeding at work.

As an example, scientists refer to the experience of Norway. There, breastfeeding is considered a contribution to the future of society. Women are given a paid break for breastfeeding, and special facilities are provided at work. Breastfeeding in public is also not frowned upon in this country.

Given the benefits of breastfeeding for both children and their mothers, recognizing it as productive work will benefit the entire society, scientists have concluded.

Earlier, the rector of the St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University of the Russian Ministry of Health, Dmitry Ivanov, said that For the first six months of a baby’s life, he should be fed exclusively with breast milk. Only it contains all the necessary nutrients and macro- and microelements, enzymes that correctly “start” the digestion process in a newborn, he emphasized.

Let us remind you that the World Health Organization expressed concern about the “aggressive nature” of advertising campaigns for infant formula. Globally, fewer than half of babies under six months are exclusively breastfed, the organization said.