When a breastfeeding mother returns to work, her ability to continue breastfeeding depends on having access to breastfeeding breaks; a safe, private, and hygienic space for expressing and storing breastmilk; and affordable childcare at or near her workplace.
Time off work is also important for fathers: Paid paternity leave allows fathers to bond with their babies and promotes gender-equality, including through the sharing of childrearing and household responsibilities.
Returning to work too soon is a barrier to the early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months and continued breastfeeding until age 2 or longer – practices that can boost children’s immune systems, shield them from disease, and provide protection from noncommunicable diseases later in life.
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而过早重返工作岗位则会影响母乳喂养。
Breastfeeding also protects maternal health -- women who breastfeed reduce their risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
In addition to their impact on children, family-friendly policies support women’s participation in the workforce, improve their physical and mental health, and enhance family well-being.
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此种政策还能推进商业目标和改善经济。
They also advance business objectives and strengthen the economy.
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事实证明，这些政策有助于留住员工，提高员工对工作满意度，并降低缺勤率。
Such policies have been shown to increase employee retention, improve job satisfaction, and result in fewer absences.
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总之，便利家庭的政策对家庭、婴儿和企业都有好处。
In short, family-friendlypolicies are good for families, babies and business.
As the world marks World Breastfeeding Week, WHO and UNICEF call on governments and all employers to adopt family-friendly policies – including paid maternity leave for a minimum of 18 weeks, and preferably, for a period of six months – as well as paid paternity leave.