Effect of Work-related Stress on Breast Milk Feeding Beyond 6 Month of the Baby, among the Nursing Personnel: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: The largest drop in continuing breast milk feeding occurs with the return of the lactating mothers to work. Stress amongst the working mothers affects milk production. Nursing is a stressful job and work-related stress impacts nurses’ health-related quality of life. The effect of work-related stress on breast milk feeding beyond 6 months of the baby amongst nursing mothers is an unexplored area. Objectives: (a) To assess the work-related stress, (b) to estimate the proportion of discontinued breast milk feeding beyond 6 months of the baby and (c) to find out the association (if any) between work-related stress and discontinuation of breast milk feeding beyond 6 months, amongst the nursing personnel of Siliguri subdivision of Darjeeling district. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst the eligible study population using a work-related stress questionnaire. Chi-square test was done as a test of association and binomial logistic regression was used to find out the adjusted odds ratio (AOR). Results: Work-related stress was present in 62.4% of the respondents, while 70.9% had discontinued breastfeeding beyond 6 months. 79.5% of respondents with work-related stress had discontinued breastfeeding. Nursing staffs having work-related stress had higher odds of discontinuing breastfeeding (AOR: 3.682; confidence interval: 1.4035–9.659). Conclusion: Work-related stress is present in a large proportion of nursing staffs and many of them have discontinued breast milk feeding beyond 6 months of age of their babies, which is influenced by work-related stress.