ORAL HEALTH AND BREASTFEEDING PROTECTION POLICIES versus YOUR WEAKNESSES

Abstract

For most women reconciling motherhood and a job has been challenging, as from the moment women become mothers, they are forced to endure double burden. Breastfeeding is essential for the health of both child, but early weaning is prevented only when favorable conditions to continue breastfeeding are in place. The present study strengths and flaws inside the historical political frameworks regulating women’s rights to breastfeed and their double burden in Brazil. Thus, we examined five historical political milestones that, to some extent, have guaranteed women the right to breastfeed. The timeline of the legal landmarks of the process are the following: Art.396 and Art. 389 of Decree #5,452, from the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) of May 1, 1943; Art. 7, item XVIII Federal Constitution of 1988; Law #11,770 of 2008 regulating the Citizen Company Program; and Ordinance #193, Art. We identified strengths and flaws on each of these legal landmarks for protection of breastfeeding. Despite significant progresses and achievements, there are flaws in programs and laws, given they do not ensure enough support for working mothers. Therefore, public policies are required to enable mothers to reconcile their jobs with their right to breastfeed.