Work and Nursing Mothers in Nigeria: Challenges and Strategies

Work and Nursing Mothers in Nigeria: Challenges and Strategies

In Nigeria, the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers in the workplace is gaining recognition, with legal protections and workplace support programs becoming increasingly important. However, the current state of workplace policies and support for breastfeeding mothers remains limited and inconsistent, with less than 10% of organizations having formal breastfeeding policies [1][2][3][5].

The Nutrition Society of Nigeria and UNICEF advocate for six-month paid maternity leave and workplace policies that support breastfeeding, such as extended leave, flexible hours, lactation rooms, and creches [1][3]. These recommendations are essential to enable mothers to continue breastfeeding post-return to work. Unfortunately, only about 12 of Nigeria’s 36 states currently meet the six-month paid maternity leave recommendation, limiting mothers’ ability to exclusively breastfeed for the WHO-recommended six months [5].

Cultural myths, lack of family and community support, and workplace inflexibility pose significant challenges to exclusive breastfeeding in Nigerian workplaces [2][5]. Few workplaces provide clean, private spaces for milk expression/pumping or scheduled pumping times, which are necessary practical supports for breastfeeding mothers [4]. Employers are mandated to provide a private and hygienic space for breastfeeding mothers to express milk.

Maintaining a regular pumping schedule is crucial for both the mother and the baby, as skipping pumping sessions may lead to a decrease in supply. Choosing the right breast pump is also essential for a smooth pumping experience at work. Portable and discreet breast pumps are beneficial for working mothers. Proper milk storage and refrigeration guidelines should be followed to ensure the safety and health of the breast milk.

Employers play a pivotal role in facilitating a breastfeeding-friendly workplace, fostering a positive atmosphere that benefits both the employee and the company. Open communication with employers about breastfeeding needs is crucial for creating a supportive work environment. Forward-thinking companies in Nigeria are implementing flexible work hours, lactation rooms, and workplace support programs to accommodate breastfeeding mothers.

Adhering to a regular pumping schedule signals to the body the continued demand for milk. Consistency is key in maintaining a healthy milk supply. Prioritizing self-care, including activities that bring joy and relaxation, maintaining a healthy diet, and incorporating exercise into your routine, ensures that you are in optimal mental and physical condition to meet both professional and maternal responsibilities.

Breastfeeding is crucial for the health and development of infants in Nigeria. Improved legislation, stronger enforcement, workplace accommodations, and cultural change are needed to create breastfeeding-friendly environments in Nigerian workplaces. Understanding the legal protections and workplace support available for breastfeeding mothers in Nigeria is essential for a successful transition back to work.

1. Supporting breastfeeding mothers in the workplace is gaining recognition in Nigeria, with a growing emphasis on legal protections and workplace support programs.
2. The Nutrition Society of Nigeria and UNICEF encourage six-month paid maternity leave and workplace policies that support breastfeeding, such as extended leave, flexible hours, lactation rooms, and creches.
3. The absence of formal breastfeeding policies in less than 10% of organizations in Nigeria remains a significant barrier to breastfeeding post-return to work.
4. Cultural myths, lack of family and community support, and workplace inflexibility contribute to challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers in Nigerian workplaces.
5. Employers are mandated to provide a private and hygienic space for breastfeeding mothers to express milk, but few workplaces currently provide necessary practical supports like clean, private spaces for milk expression/pumping or scheduled pumping times.
6. Maintaining a regular pumping schedule and choosing the right breast pump are essential for a smooth pumping experience at work, while proper milk storage and refrigeration guidelines ensure the safety and health of the breast milk.
7. Employers have a pivotal role in creating breastfeeding-friendly workplaces that benefit both the employee and the company, with open communication being crucial for creating a supportive work environment.
8. Adhering to a regular pumping schedule and prioritizing self-care, including activities that bring joy and relaxation, maintaining a healthy diet, and incorporating exercise into your routine, ensures optimal mental and physical condition to meet professional and maternal responsibilities.
9. Breastfeeding is critical for the health and development of infants in Nigeria, and improved legislation, stronger enforcement, workplace accommodations, and cultural change are needed to create breastfeeding-friendly environments in Nigerian workplaces, enabling a successful transition back to work for mothers.

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