No need to shy away from breastfeeding in public

No need to shy away from breastfeeding in public

Breastfeeding is still considered an option for many mothers and families. But individuals, social groups and government organisations are taking steps to create awareness about breastfeeding and it’s important. World Health Organisation (WHO) celebrates World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7 to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies from around the world. 

According to the 2018 Global Breastfeeding ranking, India ranked 56 out of 76 countries on early initiation of breastfeeding. But breastfeeding your child at home and travelling with breastfeeding child/children are two different things. 

Most mothers prefer to feed their child in a closed room, so travelling with them either on a flight or train is considered a challenge. Many breastfeeding mothers are still not open to the idea of feeding their children in public. They, therefore, prefer feeding formula food so that the child is full and will not act cranky.

It takes determination, courage and support from the family members to motivate mothers to feed their child in public. Sonali Patil, who travelled with her five-month-old son to Brno (Czech Republic) says that initially she was apprehensive whether she will able to feed her child on the flight or not. “But my husband supported me. I breastfed my son while going and coming back from Bruno. I used a dupatta while feeding him,” she says. 

Aakanksha Bhargava, president, and CEO of PM Relocations Pvt Ltd and a mompreneur, has been traveling with her 11-month-old baby Samaira for various business trips. The baby has been taken to six countries already. Bhargava believes in breastfeeding her baby and therefore her daughter travels with her on her trips. “The first flight was hard as I wasn’t sure when to feed, how to go about it, will her ears hurt etc. But I learnt it along the way,” she says. 

Lack of awareness  
There is no clarity on the things to follow or do while breastfeeding the child in public. Sometimes, this leaves mom in a state of confusion. Says Shivani Rana Jamwal, “I have travelled with my child from London to India. I was told that I should feed my child while take off and landing but the staff on Air India asked me not to because it’s not safe. If you are travelling solo, you might face some problem but otherwise I haven’t faced any problem. It has been very smooth for me.” 

Patil went through a similar situation. “I wasn’t aware if it’s safe to feed my son during take off. I was told different things by different people. Finally, I went with whatever my instinct told me was right and it worked,” she recalls. 

Being confident 
Breastfeeding isn’t an option. It’s a necessity for child upto 6 months old. It has been proven that breastfeeding is necessary for the growth and immunity of the child. It takes a little confidence on part of the mother to do what is right for her child.  Bhargava adds, “I often used to keep looking for a place till I became confident and started feeding where I was, without bothering about the environment.” She adds that for her, the biggest support has been the feeding pillow as she felt very comfortable feeding her child while travelling and at home.” 

Jamwal says that surprisingly in rural India, there is a lot of awareness about breastfeeding. “But in cities, it isn’t followed seriously. That’s why we use formula milk. Mothers are reluctant and hesitant while feeding in public,” she says, adding, “But breastfeeding is the right of the child and we should give them their right.”

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