Explainer | Why women in China breastfeed less than rest of world, the Post explores Chinese culture, body autonomy on International Women’s Day
- Only 29 per cent of babies breastfed in China, global average is 43 per cent
- The Post examines breastfeeding, being a mother in today’s mainland
The story of a mother in China, who was interrupted and criticised for breastfeeding her baby in a shopping centre, has reignited the debate about breastfeeding in public.
The Shanghai mother-of-two used the staffroom of an amusement area inside a shopping centre to breastfeed her youngest child, taking her older child and their nanny with her, on February 26.
However, a female member of staff who was worried about her property that was kept in the room, entered twice without knocking on the door.
The mother posted a video of their quarrel online, which received 5 million views on Douyin. She said she was disappointed that the member of staff did not show more understanding.
The conflict between the two women reflects the lack of social support for breastfeeding on the mainland.
On International Women’s Day, the Post takes a closer look at breastfeeding and being a mother in China.
