Comprehensive maternity protection refers to a set of entitlements that should be available to all working women during pregnancy, around the time of childbirth and while breastfeeding. We investigated the components of comprehensive maternity protection available and accessible to non-standard workers in the Western Cape, using domestic workers as a case study. The first phase of this research was a policy analysis of maternity protection available in South Africa, which we have described as fragmented, complicated, disorganised, dispersed, and lacking coherence.
Read MoreIn my work as a primary care provider with expertise in gender-affirming health care, I recently had the gratifying opportunity to help my patient, a transgender woman, in her goal of breastfeeding her newborn baby. The patient felt it “would be a wonderful, personal experience, and it would be a great help for my partner,” who was carrying the pregnancy.
Read MoreMost people have heard the phrase, “breast is best,” and are aware of at least some of the superior health benefits that breastfeeding provides. While most mothers attempt and intend to breastfeed, it is often just not that easy. An additional problem is that many mothers then experience shame and personal or societal blame for not breastfeeding according to recommendations.
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