
Editor,
As a mother of four children, I have lived the beautiful and sometimes challenging journey of breastfeeding. I nursed all of my children – three of them exclusively, weaning them around 18 months. My eldest daughter, on the pediatrician’s recommendation, was supplemented after a few months and, to my surprise, chose to wean herself just shy of her first birthday. Each of these experiences was unique, but together they deepened my belief in the unmatched power of breastfeeding—not just for its countless nutritional benefits, but for the emotional bond it creates and the strong foundation it lays for our children’s growth and well-being.
Breastfeeding is more than just nourishment; it is an intimate nurturing bond between mother and child that supports physical health, emotional security, and cognitive development. I deeply value the time I had to dedicate to this practice, and I strongly support giving other mothers the opportunity to do the same, without stigma or discrimination.
The Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association (BNBA) has done exceptional work supporting mothers in their breastfeeding journeys. I first connected with The BNBA nearly 30 years ago, when the late Carlotta Klass, “Mother of Breastfeeding” in our country, and others helped me navigate the process. That experience left such an impression on me that I later worked alongside the association for years to help promote their message. Today, I maintain a relationship with The BNBA and continue to admire their commitment to supporting mothers through education, advocacy, and hands-on assistance.
The BNBA’s call for extended maternity leave is critical. Currently, Bahamian law provides 12 weeks of maternity leave, which the Association rightfully argues is insufficient to allow mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the recommended six months, thus they have proposed 20 weeks of maternity leave, or a compromise of 16 weeks.
As a mother who has reaped the benefits of breastfeeding, I find it disheartening that only 22 percent of mothers in The Bahamas are able to exclusively breastfeed, compared to the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) 60 percent target. The BNBA’s research reveals that many mothers are forced to stop breastfeeding early because of the need to return to work. This is a societal issue that demands thoughtful solutions.
At the same time, I acknowledge the concerns raised by The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation about the potential economic impact of extended maternity leave. Many small and medium-sized businesses may struggle to absorb the costs of hiring temporary staff or managing extended employee absences. These are valid considerations, and we must balance them with the undeniable benefits of supporting mothers and their children.
This matter requires a national conversation that brings together policymakers, businesses, healthcare advocates, and families to explore solutions that work for everyone. Whether through extended maternity leave, workplace accommodations for nursing mothers, or government-funded initiatives, we must find a way to give Bahamian mothers the support they need to breastfeed successfully.
Breastfeeding is not just a personal choice; it is a public health priority. It is an investment in the future of our nation, as healthier, stronger children grow into healthier, stronger adults. By supporting breastfeeding, we are not just nurturing individual children; we are building a more resilient Bahamas. Building a Bahamas for all Bahamians.
Written by: Senator Maxine Seymour