FIJIAN mothers are facing a “motherhood penalty” at work, with limited breastfeeding support and potential income losses when they take time off to care for sick children, says perinatal support group Mama Talanoa founder Mercedes Swann.
Speaking during a dialogue on postpartum depression, Mrs Swann said policy changes were needed to better support women during pregnancy and after childbirth.
“We need policy change,” she said.
She called for extended maternity leave and workplace arrangements that allow mothers to breastfeed, express and safely store breast milk after returning to work.
She said mothers could also face financial pressure when they stayed home to care for sick children or during floods, cyclones and school closures.
“There really is this motherhood penalty going on where mothers are penalized at work because they are a mom for simply being a mom.”
Mrs Swann said cultural attitudes also made it difficult for women to speak openly about mental health.
“In our Fijian culture it is very much taboo to talk about mental health.
“We just have this culture of just get through it and you’ll be fine.”
She said families often focused on the newborn while overlooking the mother’s wellbeing.
“A baby was born, yes, but a mother was also born.”
She called for safe spaces and stronger support from families, communities and churches.
