Written By | BK Mugizi
Nancy Nyamweya, Bushenyi District Nutrition focal person
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BUSHENYI
Health officials in Bushenyi District have called on employers to establish breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, saying the absence of breastfeeding corners is preventing many working mothers from exclusively breastfeeding their babies during the first six months of life.
The appeal comes as Uganda joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from August 1 to 7 to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and mobilise support for mothers, babies and families.
Speaking to reporters, Bushenyi District Nutrition Focal Person Nancy Nyamweya said many mothers return to work before their babies are six months old, making it difficult to follow the Ministry of Health's recommendation on exclusive breastfeeding.
"Many mothers are willing to exclusively breastfeed their babies, but the challenge is that most workplaces do not have breastfeeding corners. Without such facilities, mothers are forced to interrupt breastfeeding, which affects both the mother and the baby," Nyamweya said.
She noted that breastfeeding-friendly workplaces would enable mothers to continue breastfeeding even after returning to work, thereby improving children's health and nutrition.
Importance of Exclusive Breastfeeding
Nyamweya urged mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life, explaining that breast milk provides all the nutrients, energy and antibodies an infant needs during that period.
"Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is one of the most effective ways of ensuring children grow up healthy. After six months, mothers should introduce safe and nutritious complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed until the child reaches two years of age or beyond," she said.
She added that breastfeeding protects babies against common childhood illnesses, strengthens their immune systems, promotes healthy growth and development, and reduces the risk of malnutrition.
Nyamweya also appealed to employers in both the public and private sectors to establish breastfeeding corners and adopt policies that support nursing mothers.
"Providing breastfeeding corners is not a luxury; it is an investment in the health and future of our children. Employers should create a supportive environment that enables mothers to breastfeed or express breast milk during working hours," she said.
World Breastfeeding Week is commemorated annually from August 1 to 7 by governments, health institutions and communities worldwide to promote breastfeeding and improve maternal and child health.
According to the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, after which they should receive appropriate complementary foods while breastfeeding continues until they are two years of age or older.
This year's theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life," emphasises that breastfeeding not only improves the health and survival of children but also contributes to healthier families, stronger communities and sustainable development.
Health officials said achieving these goals will require collective efforts from employers, families, communities and policymakers to ensure that every mother receives the support she needs to breastfeed successfully.
