Further Support Needed For Breastfeeding Mothers

In this piece, I discuss and assess policy initiatives that influence mothers’ decision to breastfeed. Research has found that specific policies promote women to breastfeed or discourage them from breastfeeding. For example, a 2015 study finds that shorter working hours are among a number of factors that are associated with prolonged breastfeeding duration.

The government of Hong Kong has undertaken some specific policies that encourage women to breastfeed. In June 2018, the government of Hong Kong passed a policy that requires developers to include lactation and baby care facilities in new offices, malls, food outlets and similar locations. In June 2018, the government proposed amending the Sex Discrimination Ordinance to explicitly protect mothers from discrimination due to breastfeeding. In October 2018 the government extended maternity leave to 14 weeks, in line with International Labour Organization recommendations, and which is expected to encourage more mothers to breastfeed for a longer period of time. However, government policies are not enough.

They must be bolstered by employer policies, too. One challenge is that hostility exists towards women who breastfeed in the workplace. This hostility is not due to a lack of sympathy, though. The government can support breastfeeding mothers better, but I explain that the responsibility of providing this support falls on the employers, NOT the government. 

Originally posted on China Daily, 19 March, 2019