The Breastfeeding Association of Taiwan and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store yesterday pushed for a friendlier environment for mothers to breastfeed their children.
“Adults don’t go to the restroom to eat [their meals], so why do babies have to go to the restroom for their breast milk?” said Kao Yi-ling (高宜伶), secretary-general of the Breastfeeding Association of Taiwan.
Rather than going to a restroom or a breastfeeding room, the association encourages mothers to do so in public areas. Kao said that by wearing clothes specially designed for breast-feeding, mothers could breastfeed in public areas without having to worry about people staring at them.
PHOTO: GEORGE TSORNG, TAIPEI TIMES
Kao said the association has not only lobbied for women’s rights to breastfeed in public spaces, but is also pushing for the government and businesses to create friendlier environments for breast-feeding mothers.
Citing surveys by local health departments, Huang Wei-kang (黃蔚綱), director of the Bureau of Health Promotion’s Maternal, Infant and Genetic Health Division, said people in central and southern parts of the country were more accepting of mothers breastfeeding in public areas, whereas people in metropolitan areas were less understanding and that mothers breastfeeding in those areas may attract gawkers or unfriendly treatment.
The association encourages mothers to breastfeed their children, especially amid current fears of milk products containing toxic chemicals.
Vice President Vincent Siew’s (蕭萬長) wife, Susan Chu (朱俶賢), attended the press conference, saying that “breast milk is best” and urging the government to promote breastfeeding.
To create a friendly environment for breastfeeding, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store will put up signs saying “breastfeeding welcome here” in its Xinyi branch stores. Sales clerks will also provide assistance for breastfeeding mothers.
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