Historically, public breastfeeding has caused debate in many countries, including Kyrgyzstan. Although this discourse has led to changes in law and culture to better support the needs of breastfeeding and pumping (expressing breastmilk) mothers, stigma remains in many Kyrgyz communities. Furthermore, safe, welcoming spaces for breastfeeding mothers in public places are uncommon throughout the country, leaving only bathrooms and other unhygienic spaces for mothers to breastfeed or express milk out of public view. The USAID Advancing Nutrition mobilization team aimed to change these circumstances in Kadamjay Rayon of the Batken Oblast by urging local authorities to open the first Mother and Child Rooms in the buildings of the Maidan and Uch-Korgon Aiyl Okmotu (local self-government bodies) of Kadamjay Rayon.

The Mother and Child Rooms are secure and decorated to make mothers feel welcome. The idea for them came from USAID Advancing Nutrition mobilizer Topchubaeva Tursunay for the first time in June during community meetings with the participation of activists, local council deputies, and medical workers of Kadamjay Rayon. During these meetings mothers in attendance shared their feelings about being uncomfortable breastfeeding in public places and feeling forced to leave their nursing babies at home due to the lack of privacy. This idea of a dedicated Mother and Child Room was well-accepted by mothers and supported by government, given that Aiyl Okmoty is a place where local mothers and their children often come for inquiries and benefits, and sometimes spend several hours in line.