Seanad debates
Wednesday, 28 May 2003
Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage.
The Bill contains new entitlements for breastfeeding mothers, who often experience particular difficulty in returning to work after the birth of a child. It is internationally recognised that breastfeeding is the most beneficial method of infant feeding. In their global strategy on infant and young child feeding, the World Health Organisation states, "Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants." The strategy cites paid maternity leave, part-time work arrangements, on-site crèches, facilities for expressing and storing breast milk, and breastfeeding breaks as enabling conditions for women in paid employment to continue breastfeeding.
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