The modern Nigerian workforce is a diverse and inclusive environment, with women similarly playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth.
As more women pursue their careers, a significant number continue to embrace motherhood, their earliest known role, choosing to breastfeed their children due to the immense health benefits it offers.
Therefore, there is a steady rise of Nursing mothers in the workplace, drawing on the need to reconsider the work culture that would support full-time employees who are nursing mothers.
However, the challenge of balancing career aspirations with the demands of motherhood, particularly during the breastfeeding period, is a challenging reality for many Nigerian women.
The Importance of Breastfeeding for Mothers and Babies
Breastfeeding is more than just a way to feed a baby; it’s the foundation of a child’s developmental wellness. The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond the immediate nutritional needs of the infant.
Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect babies from common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, which are leading causes of child mortality in Nigeria.
It also lowers the risk of developing chronic conditions later in life, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
For mothers, breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, aid in postpartum weight loss, and promote mental well-being by fostering a strong emotional bond with their child.
Despite these benefits, sustaining breastfeeding while maintaining a full-time job can be a significant challenge. This is where the role of supportive workplaces becomes crucial.
The Struggles of Full-time Employed Nursing Mothers
In Nigeria, where the concept of work-life balance is still evolving, many workplaces are not equipped to support nursing mothers adequately. The struggle begins with the lack of designated lactation rooms.
Many workplaces do not provide private, clean, and comfortable spaces for mothers to express milk. As a result, nursing mothers often find themselves in uncomfortable and unhygienic conditions, such as using bathroom stalls or their cars to pump breast milk.
This not only affects their comfort and dignity but also poses potential health risks for both the mother and child.
Moreover, inflexible work schedules exacerbate the difficulties faced by nursing mothers. The need to adhere to strict office hours often conflicts with the regular breastfeeding or pumping schedule that a mother needs to maintain her milk supply.
This can lead to stress, reduced milk production, and in some cases, the early cessation of breastfeeding—a decision that mothers may regret later. Adding to these challenges is the lack of understanding and empathy from employers and colleagues.
In some cases, nursing mothers face subtle forms of discrimination, such as being overlooked for promotions or being subjected to comments that undermine their professional capabilities due to their need to take breaks for breastfeeding.
These challenges emphasize the immediate need for a change in workplace culture to better support employees who are nursing mothers.
Building a Supportive Workplace Culture for Nursing Mothers
Creating a supportive workplace for nursing mothers is not just a moral imperative; it’s also a smart business decision.
When companies invest in the well-being of their employees, they reap the benefits of higher productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved employee retention.
Here’s how Nigerian employers can create a more supportive environment for nursing mothers:
1. Designated Lactation Rooms
One of the most straightforward ways to support nursing mothers is by providing designated lactation rooms. These rooms should be private, clean, and equipped with comfortable seating, electrical outlets for breast pumps, and refrigeration for storing breast milk.
Such facilities ensure that mothers can express milk in a comfortable and dignified manner, which is crucial for maintaining their milk supply and overall well-being.
2. Flexible Work Arrangements
Flexibility is key to helping nursing mothers balance their responsibilities. Employers can offer options such as flexible working hours, remote work opportunities, and compressed workweeks.
For instance, allowing a mother to work from home a few days a week can give her the flexibility to breastfeed her baby directly, reducing the need for pumping and easing the stress associated with managing both work and motherhood.
3. Paid Pumping Breaks
In many developed countries, laws mandate that employers provide reasonable break time for nursing mothers to express milk.
Unfortunately, in Nigeria, such provisions are not always enforced or even recognized. Employers should voluntarily offer paid pumping breaks to ensure that mothers do not have to choose between earning a living and providing their child with the best possible nutrition.
This policy not only supports the health of the mother and child but also fosters a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
4. Promote Understanding and Empathy
Education is crucial in creating a supportive environment for nursing mothers. Employers should conduct workshops and training sessions to raise awareness about the challenges faced by nursing mothers and the importance of breastfeeding.
By fostering a culture of understanding and empathy, colleagues and supervisors can better support nursing mothers, making the workplace a more inclusive and harmonious environment.
The Broader Benefits of Supporting Nursing Mothers
Supporting nursing mothers in the workplace has benefits that extend far beyond the individual. When mothers are supported to breastfeed, the positive ripple effects can be felt across society. Healthier babies mean fewer sick days and reduced healthcare costs. Breastfeeding also contributes to a healthier population, which is essential for the long-term economic stability of Nigeria.
1. Improved Infant Health Outcomes
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child survival and health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infants who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months have a lower risk of gastrointestinal infections, respiratory diseases, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
In Nigeria, where infant mortality rates are still a concern, promoting breastfeeding can play a critical role in improving child health outcomes.
2. Reduced Healthcare Costs
The economic benefits of breastfeeding are significant. Breastfeeding helps keep both babies and moms healthy, which means fewer trips to the doctor and less money spent on medical care. This is good for families and the healthcare system as a whole.
For employers, this translates to fewer sick days and lower insurance costs, further justifying the investment in supportive policies for nursing mothers.
3. Increased Workforce Retention and Productivity
When nursing mothers feel supported by their employers, they are more likely to remain in the workforce and be productive employees. This not only reduces turnover rates but also enhances the company’s reputation as a family-friendly employer.
In a competitive job market, companies that prioritize the well-being of their employees are more likely to attract and retain top talent, contributing to long-term business success.
The Role of Government and Community in supporting Professional Nursing Mothers
While employers play a crucial role in supporting nursing mothers, the responsibility also extends to the government and the community.
Government policies can create a more breastfeeding-friendly environment by enacting and enforcing laws that protect the rights of nursing mothers. For example, legislation mandating the provision of lactation rooms and paid breastfeeding breaks can set a standard that all employers must follow.
Community support is equally important. Local organizations, healthcare providers, and breastfeeding advocacy groups can work together to create a network of resources for nursing mothers.
These resources can include breastfeeding support groups, access to lactation consultants, and public awareness campaigns that normalize breastfeeding and educate the public on its benefits.
How You Can Make a Difference
Creating a workplace environment that values and supports nursing mothers is not just an ethical imperative; it is a smart economic and societal investment.
We can help moms succeed in their jobs and take care of their babies by giving them what they need and creating a culture where they feel supported to breastfeed.
This, in turn, contributes to a healthier, more productive, and equitable society for all Nigerians. To achieve this, everyone has a role to play:
- Employers: Implement policies and practices that support nursing mothers, such as providing lactation rooms, offering flexible work arrangements, and ensuring paid pumping breaks.
- Government: Enact and enforce laws that protect the rights of nursing mothers in the workplace, setting a standard for all employers to follow.
- Community: Create networks of support for nursing mothers, including breastfeeding support groups, access to lactation consultants, and public awareness campaigns.
Together, we can build a world where Nigerian mothers can breastfeed their children without sacrificing their careers. By supporting nursing mothers, we can build a stronger economy, a healthier population, and a society that truly values the contributions of women in all their roles.
Additional Resources:
- World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding
International Labour Organization: https://www.ilo.org/global/standards/subjects-covered-by-international-labour-standards/maternity-protection/lang–en/index.htm
