Association of Doctors of Northern Cyprus: Every mother should be granted six months of paid breastfeeding leave

Doctors in Northern Cyprus have called on the authorities to introduce six months of paid leave for all mothers to ensure adequate breastfeeding for infants in the early months of life. The call was made by the Cyprus Turkish Medical Association (KTTB) on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, held annually from August 1 to 7.

Public health specialist İnce Fidjen Gülen stated that the current situation in the country does not allow adequate breastfeeding and care for children under two years of age. According to her, women are forced to return to work just eight weeks after giving birth, which negatively affects both the health of infants and the mother-child bond.

Currently, the legislation in Northern Cyprus provides only a two-hour daily breastfeeding break, which experts consider grossly insufficient. Gülen proposed granting every woman six months of paid breastfeeding leave, along with the option of part-time work with continued allowance until the child turns two years old.

Doctors reminded that breast milk provides infants with all necessary nutrients and protects against various illnesses, including gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, while also helping to prevent obesity. It was also noted that breastfeeding reduces the risk of cancer in women.

According to the Association, only 44% of newborns receive breast milk in the first hour after birth, and just 42% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. Doctors urged the urgent adoption of legislation to allow mothers to spend more time with their children and create favorable conditions for breastfeeding.

"This is not an excessive measure, but an investment in the nation's health that will help reduce healthcare costs and strengthen public well-being," Gülen emphasized.