Practitioners Discuss Ethical Guidelines on Breastfeeding
In a landmark gathering, healthcare professionals, lactation consultants, and policymakers convened in New Delhi to discuss the pressing need for standardized ethical guidelines on breastfeeding. The two-day symposium, organized by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, addressed ethical dilemmas in breastfeeding—from hospital protocols to societal pressures.
Why Ethical Breastfeeding Guidelines Matter
Breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant nutrition, providing critical health benefits for both mother and child. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for up to two years or beyond. Despite this, ethical challenges persist in hospitals, workplaces, and cultural settings.
Dr. Ananya Reddy, a senior pediatrician and keynote speaker, stressed:
“Breastfeeding is natural, but systemic hurdles—medical, social, and corporate—require ethical considerations.”
Hospital Ethics: Informed Consent and Formula Influence
A major concern was hospital practices discouraging breastfeeding, including the promotion of formula milk due to commercial influences. Dr. Vikram Singh, a neonatologist, noted:
“Mothers often lack proper support or unbiased information. Ethical guidelines must prioritize breastfeeding education and eliminate conflicts of interest.”
The symposium called for stricter enforcement of India’s 1992 Infant Milk Substitutes Act, which bans formula promotion in healthcare facilities.
Workplace Ethics: Supporting Lactating Mothers
Despite the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, which mandates nursing breaks and crèche facilities, many employers fail to comply. Lactation consultant Meena Kapoor shared:
“Working mothers often wean early due to insufficient support. Ethical guidelines should enforce private lactation spaces and flexible hours.”
Participants urged stronger corporate accountability and public awareness to normalize workplace breastfeeding.
Cultural Stigma: Changing Societal Attitudes
In many communities, public breastfeeding remains stigmatized, pressuring mothers to switch to formula. Activist Priya Malhotra argued:
“Society must normalize breastfeeding—it’s a collective ethical responsibility.”
The symposium endorsed nationwide campaigns like Kerala’s “Breastfeeding Is Natural” initiative to shift perceptions.
Proposed Ethical Guidelines
Key recommendations from the symposium include:
1. Hospital Reforms – Unbiased counseling and lactation support in maternity wards.
2. Workplace Enforcement – Stronger corporate compliance for nursing mothers.
3. Public Education – Normalizing breastfeeding and combating myths.
4. Legal Updates – Closing gaps in breastfeeding protection laws.
Dr. Reddy concluded:
“This isn’t just nutrition—it’s about justice, dignity, and every child’s right to a healthy start.”
With these guidelines, advocates aim to create a more supportive breastfeeding ecosystem in India.
