The government has officially confirmed the extension of paid maternity leave to six months and the introduction of paid paternity leave for fathers. This policy shift reflects a profound commitment to the health of our children and the stability of families across Barbados. We will continue to observe the implementation …
July 22, 2017
Final supporters
We, The Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Foundation, call for paid maternity leave for mothers to be increased from the current 3 months to a minimum of 6 months and for fathers to have paid paternal leave for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Three months maternity leave is not enough. Without the extension of paid parental leave it is no surprise that our breastfeeding rates remain low. In a study done by our organisation, the Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Foundation(BCNF), in collaboaration with the University of the West Indies in 2016, results show the exclusive breastfeeding rate at 6 months to be 12.5%. Other studies suggest the rate is between 17-20%. Regardless these figures are very low. The World Health Organisation has recommended breastfeeding rates in all countries reach at least 50% by 2025. When these rates have remained static for the last 20-30 years this will be a tall order to fill even in those countries with greater resources than ours. One major and impactful step that can be taken, however, is to increase maternity leave from 3 months to at least 6 months.
The data from the previously mentioned study also suggested that most women state their early return to work as one of the main reasons they stopped breastfeeding exclusively, and introduction of formula could be as early as within the first few days of birth.
The advantages of increasing the date of confinement to a minimum of (6) six months with pay and, therefore, directly contributing to increasing breastfeeding rates and benefitting mother, baby and society as a whole include:
1. decreased risk of acute ear infections, gastroenteritis and respiratory illness
2. reduced infant mortality
3. reduced risk of NCDs like diabetes, obesity and heart disease in adulthood
4. reduced incidence of childhood obesity and some childhood cancers
5. Increased likelihood that baby will be breastfed for one year which is recommended time by the American Pediatric Association and till at least 2 years as recommended by the World Health Organisation.
6. Improved postnatal health for mother
7. A more positive return to work after adequate time to bond with baby and establishment of breast feeding and time for mum to prepare mentally for the imminent period of separation.
8. Economic stability for the parental household
9. Better outcomes for baby's development, physical as well as psychological and intellectual. The longer a baby exclusively breastfeeds the higher their IQ ( there is an increase of nearly 4 IQ points as quoted by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine)
10. Improved financial benefit to mothers who are not burdened with the additional cost of purchasing formula. The cost savings for a family by not formula feeding and by exclusively breastfeeding over 6 months is believed to be approximately $850BBD!
11. Positive emotional benefits to mother and child and the entire family.
12. Lowered employee absenteeism due to healthier babies; improved maternal well being and productivity.
Apart from the indirect benefits to fathers as a result of the above points, research based in USA, UK and Denmark showed that dads who took paternity leave of 10 days or longer were more involved with their children and with child care activities than men who took no leave.
None of the above can be discounted or overlooked. The evidence is clear. We need to raise our collective voices to this issue. We cannot continue to accept the status quo.
Please join with us in signing the petition or sign online as we seek to have the Confinement period for Mother / Parents in Barbados extended to (6) six months.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
May 12, 2017
March 12, 2017
Reaching one hundred signatures confirms that many people recognize the vital link between parental leave and infant health in Barbados. This milestone provides a meaningful foundation as we continue to advocate for the support that families deserve.
Reached 100 supporters
March 11, 2017
268 Comments
I agree wholeheartedly that mothers should be given the option to had six months maternity leave. It takes nine months or three quarters of a year to grow a tiny human. Why should we only get one quarter to finally hold them in our arms?
This was needed every since. I have a young baby and to try to ensure she gets adequate breast milk I have to pump at work however there isn't any accommodation for me to do so or any privacy. It is very difficult.
I have 2 kids and one on the way . This is the only one I worked for someone wid . And I feel 3 months is to short of a time . I waited till me kids were 9 months before I put them in day care. I hope this petition reached its mark. Soon . Because I soon pop . Lol
I support this because I believe in breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months. On return to work it is difficult to pump at work constantly and perform duties and because of this the milk supply starts to decrease.
Longer, paid maternity and paternity leaves can significantly improve outcomes not only for the infant but also for mothers by reducing the risk of postpartum depression. It will go a long way to reducing overall health costs in the for Barbados.
I agree. Ideally I think it should at least be a year.
3 mths is insufficient time with a newborn.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
The government has officially confirmed the extension of paid maternity leave to six months and the introduction of paid paternity leave for fathers. This policy shift reflects a profound commitment to the health of our children and the stability of families across Barbados. We will continue to observe the implementation …
July 22, 2017
Final supporters
We, The Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Foundation, call for paid maternity leave for mothers to be increased from the current 3 months to a minimum of 6 months and for fathers to have paid paternal leave for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Three months maternity leave is not enough. Without the extension of paid parental leave it is no surprise that our breastfeeding rates remain low. In a study done by our organisation, the Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Foundation(BCNF), in collaboaration with the University of the West Indies in 2016, results show the exclusive breastfeeding rate at 6 months to be 12.5%. Other studies suggest the rate is between 17-20%. Regardless these figures are very low. The World Health Organisation has recommended breastfeeding rates in all countries reach at least 50% by 2025. When these rates have remained static for the last 20-30 years this will be a tall order to fill even in those countries with greater resources than ours. One major and impactful step that can be taken, however, is to increase maternity leave from 3 months to at least 6 months.
The data from the previously mentioned study also suggested that most women state their early return to work as one of the main reasons they stopped breastfeeding exclusively, and introduction of formula could be as early as within the first few days of birth.
The advantages of increasing the date of confinement to a minimum of (6) six months with pay and, therefore, directly contributing to increasing breastfeeding rates and benefitting mother, baby and society as a whole include:
1. decreased risk of acute ear infections, gastroenteritis and respiratory illness
2. reduced infant mortality
3. reduced risk of NCDs like diabetes, obesity and heart disease in adulthood
4. reduced incidence of childhood obesity and some childhood cancers
5. Increased likelihood that baby will be breastfed for one year which is recommended time by the American Pediatric Association and till at least 2 years as recommended by the World Health Organisation.
6. Improved postnatal health for mother
7. A more positive return to work after adequate time to bond with baby and establishment of breast feeding and time for mum to prepare mentally for the imminent period of separation.
8. Economic stability for the parental household
9. Better outcomes for baby's development, physical as well as psychological and intellectual. The longer a baby exclusively breastfeeds the higher their IQ ( there is an increase of nearly 4 IQ points as quoted by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine)
10. Improved financial benefit to mothers who are not burdened with the additional cost of purchasing formula. The cost savings for a family by not formula feeding and by exclusively breastfeeding over 6 months is believed to be approximately $850BBD!
11. Positive emotional benefits to mother and child and the entire family.
12. Lowered employee absenteeism due to healthier babies; improved maternal well being and productivity.
Apart from the indirect benefits to fathers as a result of the above points, research based in USA, UK and Denmark showed that dads who took paternity leave of 10 days or longer were more involved with their children and with child care activities than men who took no leave.
None of the above can be discounted or overlooked. The evidence is clear. We need to raise our collective voices to this issue. We cannot continue to accept the status quo.
Please join with us in signing the petition or sign online as we seek to have the Confinement period for Mother / Parents in Barbados extended to (6) six months.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
May 12, 2017
March 12, 2017
Reaching one hundred signatures confirms that many people recognize the vital link between parental leave and infant health in Barbados. This milestone provides a meaningful foundation as we continue to advocate for the support that families deserve.
Reached 100 supporters
March 11, 2017
268 Comments
It's about time. So many studies have shown the benefits of and recommend breastfeeding for at least 6 months. How can this be possible if the mother must return to work after 3 months in order to financially support her family.
I agree wholeheartedly that mothers should be given the option to had six months maternity leave. It takes nine months or three quarters of a year to grow a tiny human. Why should we only get one quarter to finally hold them in our arms?
This was needed every since. I have a young baby and to try to ensure she gets adequate breast milk I have to pump at work however there isn't any accommodation for me to do so or any privacy. It is very difficult.
I have 2 kids and one on the way . This is the only one I worked for someone wid . And I feel 3 months is to short of a time . I waited till me kids were 9 months before I put them in day care. I hope this petition reached its mark. Soon . Because I soon pop . Lol
I support this because I believe in breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months. On return to work it is difficult to pump at work constantly and perform duties and because of this the milk supply starts to decrease.
Longer, paid maternity and paternity leaves can significantly improve outcomes not only for the infant but also for mothers by reducing the risk of postpartum depression. It will go a long way to reducing overall health costs in the for Barbados.
I agree. Ideally I think it should at least be a year.
3 mths is insufficient time with a newborn.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
It's about time. So many studies have shown the benefits of and recommend breastfeeding for at least 6 months. How can this be possible if the mother must return to work after 3 months in order to financially support her family.