Experts and employees welcome reports of extended maternity leave
Posted on: 04/Jan/2016 12:30:45 PM
Reports stating that the maternity leave for women employed in the private sector in the city have been welcomed by doctors, child care and pregnancy experts in the city.
One such expert of Lactation Care says, `Most organisations, including hospitals, only offer three months` maternity leave. The recommended period for exclusive breastfeeding is six months and so, many women employees find it difficult to cope. Some of them are forced to introduce solids to their infants early or take extended unpaid leave. In many cases, women simply have to quit their jobs. Workplaces should also look at creating facilities for breastfeeding mothers and allow them time in between work to feed. The extension of leave is a positive step.`
A senior doctor at a leading fertility hospital in Chennai has said, `With anemia still affecting a large number of Indian women and with lifestyles changing and increasingly stressful jobs, six months is now needed to ensure better recovery for the mother and nutritional health of the child. Other countries have this, so why not India.`
`For a large number of poor women, bottle feeding is expensive. Breastfeeding is cheaper and a lot of working women suffer when they have to go back to work. Breastfeeding is also important for the bonding of the mother and child and this is a good step`, said a gynecologist.
Women employees have also welcomed the reports. `I went back to work immediately after my three months� leave. It was very difficult but I had the support of my family. For those without support, it will be nearly impossible to go back in just three months`, says one of them.
