The reality of breastfeeding in Mexico: being a mother and a full-time worker

I know that this is not the case for most working mothers, as many currently face various barriers that reduce the possibility of successful breastfeeding. I firmly believe that motherhood and work are compatible as long as the company where you work creates the conditions to protect motherhood.

For a successful delayed breastfeeding, it is not only necessary that the mother wants it, as there are other factors that directly or indirectly influence this process and decision, and I think it is necessary for you to know them because in Mexico we lack a lot of information on the subject. In particular, as you may have anticipated, I will focus on my experience and the recommendations I would make to companies and workplaces.

Many companies will wonder what benefit there is in supporting mothers in this process. To name a few:

The above are just some of the benefits, but we cannot ignore that the Federal Labor Law itself, in article 170, contemplates support for a certain period for women during breastfeeding:

IV. During the breastfeeding period for a maximum period of six months, they will have two extraordinary breaks per day, of half an hour each, to feed their children, in a suitable and hygienic place designated by the company, or, when this is not possible, by prior agreement with the employer, their working day will be reduced by one hour during the period indicated.

Speaking from my own experience, I can say that this time I had a different breastfeeding experience than with my first daughter. I had to travel and visit clients during this process and I realized how much we as a country need to know more about the subject and be a support for all those working mothers.

On my trips, I had to ask and defend myself with the people at the airport to transport the milk that I extracted during the trip without having to check it in. It is clear that I would not want it to go downstairs with my suitcases, in temperatures that I do not know if they are adjusted to the temperature necessary to preserve breast milk during the trip. It is impressive how the policy of many airports only allows the transport of breast milk when you bring the infant with you but not without him. What happens when the mother works and cannot take her children on the trip, but has the need to extract food? It is illogical and absurd that they ask you to document or, if necessary, throw away that breast milk, because to begin with it is not easy to extract it, it requires time and sacrifice from each mother.

Today I am writing from my personal experience and I reiterate that I know that the challenges faced by Mexican working mothers are very different; including the fact that I have been fortunate enough to have been able to acquire an electric breast pump that has the features I need, which is not the case for many women. In other countries, the government provides support so that working mothers can acquire a breast pump, an incredible policy that really supports working mothers.

Finally, my intention in expressing this testimony about my breastfeeding process is to raise awareness and open the eyes of all those people who have the ability and power to generate some change in their company so that breastfeeding is supported. I know without a doubt that I chose the right firm because at all times Santamarina + Steta has sought a way to support me throughout this wonderful process.