Researchers argue that gender equality in the workplace requires treating breastfeeding as a workplace responsibility, not merely a personal choice. This perspective, highlighted by Speech, urges policymakers to view breastfeeding support as part of the formal duties of employment and social welfare programs.
Sociologists describe the drop in women’s earnings after childbirth as the maternity penalty. A recent report from Australian researchers outlines steps to reduce economic inequality for new mothers. Key recommendations include extending paid parental leave, expanding affordable early education, and strengthening child care access. The authors of the Frontiers in Public Health study emphasize that progress against the birth penalty hinges on policies that actively support breastfeeding as a productive, societal investment rather than a private burden.
Across many workplaces, women still stop breastfeeding earlier than what health experts recommend. In many cases, formula use increases because mothers find it impractical to pump while on the job, or lack facilities and time to express milk. Workplace cultures often overlook or discourage lactation needs, which can lead to lower pay, stalled promotions, and a sense of embarrassment for mothers who continue to breastfeed. These barriers persist even in high-income countries and can undermine both maternal and child health outcomes over time.
Some nations showcase a different approach. In Norway, breastfeeding is framed as an investment in the country’s future. Mothers there receive a dedicated hour of paid breastfeeding break each day, and workplaces can provide designated spaces and equipment to support lactation. Public lactation spaces reduce the need for temporary arrangements and help normalize breastfeeding as a routine part of daily life. This model demonstrates how policy design can align labor rights with family health, benefiting society at large.
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods for up to two years or beyond. For infants, breastfeeding lowers the risk of infections and hospitalizations, and for mothers it may reduce long-term risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and perhaps type 2 diabetes. When breastfeeding is recognized as a productive activity worthy of budgetary support, it becomes an issue of public health and economic policy alike. Experts contend that such recognition can lead to better maternal employment outcomes and healthier communities, a synergy that resonates with national labor and social welfare goals in the United States, Canada, and similar economies.
In light of these findings, advocates argue for a cohesive strategy that ties breastfeeding support to paid leave policies, workplace accommodations, and community health programs. When governments and employers collaborate to fund lactation rooms, flexible work schedules, and reliable child care options, the stigma surrounding breastfeeding in professional settings can fade. This shift not only helps mothers balance work and family duties but also signals a broader commitment to gender equity and long-term population health.
Finally, the historical note about Australian department stores highlights that shifts in consumer markets and policy environments can influence industry practices. While some retailers historically restricted certain products, current trends show a growing recognition of the broader social costs and benefits tied to family health decisions. This evolving landscape reinforces the point that breast milk is a critical input to child development and should be considered in policy debates and corporate strategies alike as Canada, the United States, and other nations refine their approach to supporting families.