Supporting Working Mothers: Encouraging Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplaces in Cape Town

To mark World Breastfeeding Week, the Health Department of Cape Town has launched an outreach programme aimed at promoting the benefits of breastfeeding and encouraging workplaces to adopt policies that support nursing mothers. As part of this initiative, discussions were held at In2Food, a company based in Strand, about workplace policies, creating breastfeeding-friendly environments, and the advantages of breastfeeding.

The Importance of Supporting Working Mothers

Councillor Patricia van der Ross, the City’s committee member for community services and health, emphasized the significance of creating spaces that accommodate working mothers. She noted that many mothers switch to formula feeding after maternity leave because of the difficulties of expressing and storing breast milk at work. The City’s aim is to inspire employers to assess their existing facilities and make necessary changes to support breastfeeding mothers.

“By supporting women on their breastfeeding journey, we are helping to ensure a healthier future for their child and our communities,” said van der Ross. She also praised the City’s efforts to create a more breastfeeding-friendly environment, such as the introduction of the first Mother’s Lounge earlier this year.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

World Breastfeeding Week aims to highlight the numerous benefits of breastfeeding. This year’s theme, “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents,” emphasizes the importance of creating breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. Research has consistently shown that breastfeeding has significant positive effects on a child’s overall development.

The City’s Efforts to Promote Breastfeeding

The City Health Department actively promotes exclusive breastfeeding as part of its provincial breastfeeding restoration plan. The goal is to target a minimum of 50% of mothers, a goal that City clinics achieved in the previous fiscal year. However, the aim is to increase the rate to 80% for a more substantial positive impact.

As part of its efforts, City Health has employed Infant Feeding Counsellors (IFCs) since 2021. These professionals engage with new mothers visiting clinics and provide valuable information on the benefits and practicalities of exclusive breastfeeding. The approach has produced impressive results, with the exclusive breastfeeding rate at the Phumlani Clinic in Mitchell’s Plain nearly doubling from 35% to 69% between August 2022 and mid-June 2023, demonstrating the potential of education and support.

The Importance of Seeking Assistance

Councillor Van der Ross urged mothers to consider breastfeeding as the primary option, given its numerous nutritional, health, and developmental advantages. She also advised women to seek assistance from clinics for accurate information and guidance, enabling informed decisions about their health and their infants’ well-being.

Fostering a Healthier and More Inclusive Community

The Health Department’s efforts to promote breastfeeding-friendly workplaces and support working mothers demonstrate the importance of understanding and addressing the challenges they face. By providing education, guidance, and safe spaces for nursing women, the City is taking significant steps toward fostering a healthier and more inclusive community for all.