Empowering Women Through Supportive Healthcare: The Importance of Breastfeeding in Policy
By Dr. Olga Tzortzatou Nanopoulou, SI Representative to the United Nations in Geneva
Breastfeeding has often been portrayed as a personal choice, but its implications stretch far beyond the individual mother. It is deeply intertwined with healthcare systems, societal norms, and, somewhat surprisingly, politics. A recent engaging webinar titled “Building Healthcare Systems that Truly Support Breastfeeding: New Tools for Sustainable Change,” organized by Africazine, brought together key voices from global health powerhouses like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to illuminate this vital issue.
The session opened with a poignant video montage of mothers sharing their diverse experiences with breastfeeding, unveiling the myriad barriers they face. From inadequate skilled support to burdensome hospital practices, these stories served as powerful reminders that behind every policy or tool is a mother navigating her journey, often without the necessary assistance.
In light of these challenges, WHO and UNICEF have developed tools designed to weave breastfeeding into the core fabric of healthcare systems. One standout resource is the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) Monitoring Manual, a valuable tool that helps facilities assess their adherence to best practices like early initiation and effective breastfeeding counselling. Another critical resource, the Competency Verification Toolkit, ensures healthcare workers are not only trained in breastfeeding but are equipped to provide consistent support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. Moreover, the updated Model Chapter on Infant and Young Child Feeding aims to instill a robust understanding of breastfeeding principles in future healthcare professionals.
The event featured speakers from diverse countries, including Ecuador, Mexico, Honduras, and Zimbabwe, who shared inspiring examples of translating these tools into effective national strategies. The takeaway was clear: when governments commit their resources, real progress is achievable. However, systemic change calls for more than just good intentions; it necessitates political will, financial backing, and accountability.
Breastfeeding should not be seen merely as a health intervention—it is a societal responsibility that demands shared support. In emergencies, it can even be a lifeline for infants. Feminist movements have long acknowledged the invisible labor associated with care, and the webinar reinforced the need for collaborative paths forward. It is time to enhance the support systems for breastfeeding mothers, ensuring they are not shouldering this journey alone.
This transformative approach requires not just equipping health workers, but truly listening to mothers and incorporating this essential care into our healthcare systems. The insights shared highlighted a shift toward a more competent and continuous care framework that centers on the lived experiences of women. Recognizing breastfeeding as one of the most empowering public health interventions, we are urged to build systems that treat it with the importance it deserves.
For those interested in empowering breastfeeding initiatives, discover more about these resources at: Global Breastfeeding Collective.
Tags: #Politics #Health #Lifestyle #WorldNews #Breastfeeding #WomenEmpowerment
