BREAST IS BEST OP-ED: Breastfeeding is an investment in the next generation and the government must play its part

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Breast milk is the most important source of nutrition after a child is born — and the only food they need for the first six months. Yet in South Africa, the number of infants who are exclusively breastfed is just 32%, among the lowest rates in the world.

It also promotes the provision of supportive health services with infant and young child feeding counselling during all points of contact with caregivers and young children, such as during antenatal and postnatal care, well-child and sick child visits, and immunisations.The Code of Good Practice on the Protection of Employees during Pregnancy and after the Birth of a Child

guarantees breaks for breastfeeding moms. This means that all women who are returning to work can take up to two 30-minute breaks every day for breastfeeding or expressing purposes, until their child is six months old. These are important tools we can use to help secure bright futures for the next generation, and more South African employers should be taking the lead, particularly if one considers the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to the economy. Breastfed babies are healthier and smarter and workplaces who support moms to breastfeed exclusively have more loyal employees.

The importance of breastfeeding cannot be overstated. Breast milk is a critical building block for children’s growth and brain development. Breastfeeding helps lower the risk of childhood obesity and, importantly, reduces the chances of death from

 

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