University Student Mothers for Smooth Breastfeeding in Ecuador

Abstract

Breastfeeding is a right that both mothers and children have. The right to education should not negatively impact breastfeeding. The objective of this research is to legally analyze the absence of specific regulations in the Organic Law of Higher Education (LOES) of Ecuador regarding breastfeeding for university student mothers. Furthermore, it demonstrates that this lack constitutes a violation of rights for students who are breastfeeding mothers and their children. A mixed methodology was employed, using surveys and interviews as instruments. The surveyed population consisted of 15 individuals, including pregnant women and university student mothers. Two methods were applied: AHP Saaty and Pareto´s Diagram. The Constitution of the Republic, the Code for Children and Adolescents, and the LOES were taken into account. The absence of regulations for breastfeeding in higher education should not be discriminatory or prevent mothers from continuing their studies. The importance and necessity of adding an article to the Organic Law of Higher Education that supports breastfeeding time for university student mothers is highlighted, ensuring that this does not affect their continuity in studies nor violate their rights.