Breastfeeding:
A Fundamental Right Under the “Love Turned into Food” Law
At Nieto & Nieto, we take pride in contributing to the enforcement and promotion of laws that benefit early childhood and guarantee the fundamental rights of families. One of the most significant laws in El Salvador to support breastfeeding is the Love Turned into Food Law, which ensures that working mothers have access to appropriate breastfeeding rooms in the workplace and fosters the practice of breastfeeding across the country. We are available to advise you on the creation of regulations or policies for breastfeeding working mothers in your company.
What is the Love Turned into Food Law?
The Love Turned into Food Law came into effect on April 23, 2023, with the aim of guaranteeing that all working mothers have access to adequate breastfeeding rooms in their workplaces. The law aims to provide a supportive environment for breastfeeding, allowing mothers to breastfeed their children comfortably and safely while fulfilling their work responsibilities.
This law not only acknowledges the importance of breastfeeding but also lays the foundation for creating spaces and conditions that protect and promote this vital practice for child development.
How Many Months of Breastfeeding Are Required by Law in El Salvador?
Exclusive breastfeeding should begin immediately after birth and continue until the child reaches six months of age. During this period, the mother should feed her child only breast milk, without the need for additional food or liquids.
After six months, the law supports extended breastfeeding, which continues beyond this period, recommended up to two years or more, depending on the well-being of both the mother and the child. Continued breastfeeding not only strengthens the child’s immune system but also fosters a vital emotional bond between mother and child and has long-term benefits for the child’s physical and emotional development.
Why is This Law Important?
The Love Turned into Food Law emphasizes the right of working mothers to breastfeed their children in an appropriate environment. Breastfeeding is essential for the child’s healthy growth and development, as it provides all the necessary nutrients and protects against diseases. Furthermore, the law promotes a public policy that supports the rights of working mothers, enabling them to balance their family and work roles without compromising the health of their children.
How Can Your Company Comply with This Law?
If you are an employer, it is essential to ensure compliance with this legislation by providing adequate conditions for working mothers to breastfeed or express milk in a safe and private environment. This includes:
- Establishing breastfeeding rooms equipped with everything necessary for mothers to breastfeed or express milk comfortably and privately.
- Developing workplace policies that support breastfeeding mothers, allowing them to take appropriate breaks for breastfeeding without affecting their job performance.
At Nieto & Nieto, we are here to advise you on creating regulations or policies for breastfeeding working mothers, ensuring that your company complies with the law and supports the well-being of families.
Conclusion
The Love Turned into Food Law represents a significant advancement in the protection of early childhood rights and the support of working mothers. At Nieto & Nieto, we are committed to helping businesses implement workplace policies that support breastfeeding and ensure compliance with this law.
If you need guidance on how to implement breastfeeding policies in your company, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!
