NAIROBI, Kenya—World Breastfeeding Week is held annually in the first week of August. It is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and many Ministries of Health and civil society partners.
Y News understands that the theme for 2024 is Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.
Though some countries, such as the USA, UK, Australia, and Ireland, have specific laws that allow women to breastfeed wherever and however they feel comfortable, many others have yet to implement such regulations.
However, the situation is incredibly challenging in Kenya, where new mothers are forced to seclude themselves to express milk, affecting their ability to move freely and their right to earn a living.
Many are forced to stop breastfeeding or not feed their babies on time to secure their jobs, affecting their fundamental right to nourish their babies.
Sabina Chege, a nominated Member of Parliament, has tabled the Breastfeeding Mothers Bill, 2024, to address this issue.
What we know about the Mothers Bill, 2024
The bill, which mainly aims at establishing a supportive legal framework for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace, has passed its first reading and is now open for public input through memoranda submissions.
Once enacted, it will help uphold a mother’s right to breastfeed freely or express milk for her infant.
During World Breastfeeding Week, various Change Leaders of the Nguvu Collective advocate for the speedy implementation of the law. They are also campaigning to break the stigma and myths surrounding breastfeeding.
“The key provisions of the Breastfeeding Mothers bill, such as requiring employers to provide lactation rooms and imposing penalties including fines or imprisonment for non-compliance, can bring significant changes to the current working environment,” Synthia Asienwa, who champions various causes including quality education told Y News in an exclusive interview.
According to Asienwa, the new legislation will ensure public breastfeeding rights for every lactating mother and provide reasonable break times to express milk during work.
“I hope the Parliament will consider passing it into law at the earliest,” she added.
How mothers with disabilities are challenged
Y News understands that mothers with disabilities also face additional hurdles like the absence of support services, limited access to lactation consultants familiar with their needs and inadequate awareness within relevant sectors about their difficulties.
“Many of them also experience problems with latching and milk supply, which are further exacerbated by their disabilities. Societal misconceptions and insufficient adaptive equipment further hinder their breastfeeding experience. Improved healthcare training focused on people with disabilities, accessible resources, and tailored support systems should be given due focus on the new law,” said Josephine Mwende, a mother with cerebral palsy who now advocates for inclusivity in healthcare.
When reached for comment, Sylvia Awinja from Kisumu County, with expertise in promoting girl child education, said:
“There are various misconceptions prevalent about breastfeeding. Some women even believe that it is only meant for HIV-positive mothers or that giving alternative foods will make babies healthier. It is important to address and challenge these negative cultural beliefs about breastfeeding while promoting positive views to encourage community support. Involving family and partners in breastfeeding education helps clear misconceptions and build support.”
The Nguvu Change Leaders add that although the public response to the bill has been overwhelmingly positive, its implementation could be faster. They also hope that Parliament will quickly implement its provisions across Kenya.
