Sophy Saronge, a 25-year-old Kenyan, was forced to return to work just three months after giving birth to her daughter, making it impossible for her to breastfeed for the recommended six months. As a trained nutritionist, she knew the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for her child's health, but she had no choice due to financial constraints.
Kenya's health authority recommends that babies should be fed only breast milk for the first six months, and the government has made it mandatory for formula milk manufacturers to promote breast milk in their advertisements and products. The World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasises that exclusive breastfeeding for six months provides a powerful line of defence against child malnutrition and serves as a baby's "first vaccine."
However, many Kenyan mothers like Saronge face significant challenges in continuing to breastfeed. The country's high cost of living and lack of maternity leave make it difficult for women to balance work and motherhood. According to the International Breastfeeding Journal, only around 60% of Kenyan babies are exclusively breastfed for six months.
Saronge's experience is not unique. Caroline Wairimu, a mother who had twins, was able to take time off work after giving birth thanks to her husband's good income. She emphasise that paid maternity leave is essential for encouraging mothers to exclusively breastfeed for six months.
Kenya's labour laws provide for three months of paid maternity leave, but women's rights activists argue that this is insufficient. Ruth Mumbi, a women's rights activist, believes that the government is not committed to women's issues and has not shown interest in extending maternity leave.
The health ministry has made progress by providing fully paid maternity leave, but analysts believe that resistance from employers has hindered further reforms. The government has also failed to implement a law requiring companies to provide breastfeeding rooms.
Single mothers like Evelyne Mueni face even greater challenges. She had to leave her one-month-old baby with a neighbor and resume work as a domestic worker to make ends meet. Neonatal specialist Dr. Moses Lango emphasise that early weaning is not recommended and that breast milk is sufficient for babies until six months.
In contrast, some countries are taking steps to promote breastfeeding. Liberia has passed a law regulating the advertising and labelling of breast milk substitutes, while Namibia has increased state benefits for mothers during maternity leave to encourage longer periods of breastfeeding.
The World Health Organisation highlights the benefits of breastfeeding, including improved IQ, school attendance, and higher income in adult life. While awareness of these benefits is growing, many countries still struggle to implement policies that support the health of mothers and children.