Have you ever asked yourself how breastfeeding women in Kenya survive at workplace with limited or no nursing facilities? Where do they express milk or even feed their babies? In the washrooms?
A recent study by Nairobi urban mothers living in informal settlements shows a low uptake of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on breastfeeding.
The government established laws such as the Baby-Friendly community initiative and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, to increase the rate of breastfeeding in the country.
Here are some of the companies in the country that care about breastfeeding mothers.
1. Oserian Flower Farm
Oserian was the pioneer in taking care of nursing mothers. The organization began the policy over 15 years ago.
The Naivasha-based flower farm has received recognition from the United Nations and the Ministry of Health Division of Nutrition for exemplary support towards lactating mothers.
It is well equipped with skilled personnel who handle the children as their mothers work, furthermore the organization has a dispensary to ensure that all emergencies are sorted out.
In addition, the area has the capacity to accommodate 100 babies at the same time.
2. Safaricom Limited
The telco has well-equipped child daycare facilities run by child care professionals (play and sleep areas). Additionally, mothers can leave their babies under the care of professionals at no cost.
Fathers are also allowed to bring their children to the workplace in case of unavoidable circumstances.
The area also has doctors in charge in case any child falls sick.
The mothers' room is fully equipped in a hygienic and private environment for expressing milk and breastfeeding.
3. Del Monte Kenya Limited
The facility is well furnished with facilities suitable to express breast milk such as electrical outlets for breastfeeding, hand washing equipment, appropriate cooling facilities, tables, and comfortable seats
4. East African Breweries Limited(EABL)
The organization offers a flexible working environment for its lactating staff with well established nursing rooms.
5. Nestle Kenya Limited
The organization launched a global maternity protection policy for its employers in 2015.
It provides breastfeeding spaces for lactating mothers.
They also offer six-month paternity leave for fathers.
6. Mabati Rolling Mills
The organization has ample lactation stations that comfort and privacy for lactating mothers.
