1511cf66_all_To_Action_on_Breastfeeding__Topic
[ID] 479 [Interest Areas] Concerned Citizen [Comment] It is extremely difficult, emotionally and physically, for a mother to leave a new baby and return to work. In so many cases, there is no choice. Breastfeeding is almost certainly interrupted when this happens. Pumping at work presents so many challenges, from finding a private place to pump, to having enough breaks in the day to do so, to maintaining your milk supply. I returned to work when my son was 3 months old, and it was the most difficult thing I had to do. I was fortunate to have a supportive workplace, but even so I had to make some difficult arrangements involving a coworker giving me her office (in exchange for my cubicle). I had been told by the building manager I could no longer lock the bathroom door and pump there. Others are not so fortunate, and give up on breastfeeding because it becomes so difficult. Teachers (my sister included) have very difficult times finding break times to pump milk. Having a baby in this country, with no paid maternity leave, creates financial hardship for the family. I am pregnant with my second child, and this time around I will not receive any pay while I am on maternity leave. It will be a significant financial hardship for my family, but we are able to make that sacrifice, at least for 3 months. I know of people (including my aunt) who must return to work after just a few days. Paid family leave is something that many developed countries offer. It would undoubtedly increase breastfeeding, and it would be an important investment in the health of babies and mothers that would last long-term. It would be one of the most effective policies to improve breastfeeding rates, and also relieve the financial burdens placed on new families. [Topic] 
Paid Maternity Leave
Call To Action on Breastfeeding
Topic