Skopje, 3 August 2023 (MIA) - Breastfeeding in the workplace is a global issue that needs to be solved as quickly as possible, because breast milk is food that should be available at all times, in every institution, representatives of the Breastfeeding Committee said at a Thursday conference marking World Breastfeeding Week.

During the conference, which was held at the Ministry of Health, the representatives stated that due to the alarming nature of the issue, breastfeeding in the workplace is the motto of this year's event.

"Breastfeeding at work, is the motto that may have been initiated in a global framework by the problems certain countries face due to the existence of insufficient legal regulations. There is a decline in breastfeeding due to these reasons, for example in the United States breastfeeding is implemented only in nine counties and must be paid for when the mother either leaves the workplace or when the baby is brought to the workplace, because it is a medicine, food that is incomparable to any other adapted formula," Dr. Mimi Kimovska-Hristova said.

Raising awareness among employers, as she stressed is of key importance, because it will enable uninterrupted breastfeeding, regardless if it is done at home or in the workplace.

"No matter where, what is most important is the right to breastfeed with no interruptions," the doctor noted.

Kimovska-Hristova appealed for breastfeeding to be made possible in all other public places without any prejudices from others.

She also informed that recently there has been an increase in the number of premature births, and that for those babies breastfeeding is more than necessary.

Regarding the tailored breastfeeding rooms, the doctor said that although there are a few of them, they are only existed in private institutions, and according to her that needs to be changed immediately.

Committee representatives also pointed out that besides the breastfeeding rooms in every institution, they will try to increase the legally stipulated term for breastfeeding in the workplace.

"I know that the Committee for Safe Motherhood and the Health Ministry will support this, but I do not know if we should have a work meeting or how to carry that out, but we will work it out with the minister and Government representatives. It is a problem that need to be comprehensively resolved," the doctor said.

As part of the celebration of the World Breastfeeding Week, the Institute is working on a guide to breastfeeding, which will be available on the Institute's official website. ssh/sk/

Photo: MIA