More workplace subsidies, tax incentives needed to support breastfeeding mothers, says Yeo Bee Yin

PETALING JAYA, Aug 19 — The government should provide more subsidies and tax incentives to companies to set up breastfeeding rooms and childcare facilities in the workplace.

Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development chairman Yeo Bee Yin said such a move is necessary as many mothers find it challenging to continue breastfeeding after returning to work.

“In terms of the budget, as a Member of Parliament (for Puchong), I want more tax incentives for offices and companies to provide breastfeeding facilities.

“This includes breastfeeding rooms or multipurpose rooms where mothers can pump their milk, as well as childcare facilities in the workplace,” she said during a panel discussion titled ‘Realities of Breastfeeding’, held in conjunction with Toshiba Lifestyle Malaysia’s ‘World Breastfeeding Month 2026: Empowering Every Mother’s Journey’ event here yesterday.

Yeo launched the event, while the panel discussion, moderated by Nani Roslan, featured certified lactation consultant and infant care expert Elizabeth Richard and actress Natasha Hudson.

Yeo said breastfeeding and childcare issues often lacked sufficient attention in Parliament as women only made up about 13.5 per cent of the 222 Members of Parliament in Malaysia.

She emphasised that breastfeeding mothers required support from their families, employers and society, adding that they should not feel guilty when facing challenges such as low milk supply or breast engorgement.

“What children need most is a happy mother because that’s how they will grow up feeling safe and at peace. If you do not have enough milk or face difficulties, take it easy, seek treatment and take care of yourself,” she said.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth said mothers should refrain from self-blame when encountering breastfeeding difficulties as every baby is different, adding that those who cannot breastfeed directly could express and store their milk for their infants.

“Every child is different. A mother also learns new things with each child because their behaviour and her milk supply can be different. If you cannot breastfeed, it does not mean that you are a failure. You have tried, and there are other ways,” she said.

She added that those who are unable to breastfeed directly could express and store their milk for their infants, and that employers should be understanding of the time required for this process.

Actress and mother of five Natasha Hudson, 44, said she is still learning as every breastfeeding experience is different, noting that she had to combine breastfeeding with formula milk for the first time when her milk supply dropped while nursing her fourth daughter.

“I am always learning something new with every newborn. Even if I have experience, it does not mean that it will be the same because every child is different,” she said.

Natasha added that she received help from a lactation consultant while breastfeeding her fourth child and learned how to deal with mastitis, an inflammation of breast tissue that causes pain, swelling and redness. — Bernama