New rules for breastfeeding facilities can help build a more baby-friendly Hong Kong
Bernard Chan says Hong Kong has made a positive step by requiring breastfeeding facilities to be included in new commercial and retail sites – but it still has a way to go to create a supportive environment for nursing mothers
Officials in health, buildings and other areas will work out the details of the new requirements, but essentially it will be mandatory for office developments to include lactation rooms for staff who work in the building. Retail and eating premises will have to include baby care facilities for staff and customers.
These new requirements come in response to growing public demand for a more supportive environment for breastfeeding in Hong Kong. Ideally, babies should be mainly breastfed for at least the first six months or longer, as both my sons were. Mother’s milk is optimal for babies in terms of nutrition and building up the baby’s immunity, and there are health benefits for breastfeeding mothers, too.
Breastfeeding in public must be accepted in Hong Kong
One major barrier is that when women return to work after having a baby, breastfeeding becomes more of a challenge because they need time and space to express milk to use later. It is easy to see why mothers often find it more practical to use formula.