August 1-7 marks World Breastfeeding Week, an annual campaign set up by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). This year’s theme by WABA calls for concerted global action to empower and support all women, working in both the formal and informal sectors, to adequately combine work with child-rearing, particularly breastfeeding.
To mark the important event, the Community Relations and Development section at Sidra Medicine in partnership with lactation specialists share tips and an infographic for mothers heading back to work after their maternity leave.
The Sidra Medicine team is conducting a local survey amongst mothers working in Qatar to gauge current levels of understanding about breastfeeding and balancing breastfeeding and work responsibilities. Sidra Medicine will be sharing important tips related to breastfeeding and guidelines for the safe use of medications during lactation via its social media channels and website. A series of workshops for mothers, medical and nursing students are also being planned for September.
“Many mothers, who go back to work after having a baby, may worry about juggling being at work and breastfeeding. This is why it is helpful to be a part of a network of family, friends and colleagues who can help support you as you start your breastfeeding journey as a working mother,” said Eman Nasralla, Manager of Community Relations and Development at Sidra Medicine Medicine. “While there is a lot of information out there from healthcare providers about the benefits of breastfeeding – to truly help mothers transition back into the workforce, it is crucial for employers to be a part of the discussion. Through HR policies and supportive practices in the workplace, measures can be put in place to support employed women to continue breastfeeding.”