Breastfeeding and the Supportive Workplace: Integration of Women's Productive and Reproductive Lives

Although authorities advocate breastfeeding for at least six months as the ideal form of infant nutrition, employed mothers may experience barriers to breastfeeding. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, this study examined the relationship between maternal employment, workplace support, and breastfeeding duration. In general, it was predicted that paid employment following childbirth would have a negative impact on breastfeeding duration. In addition, existence of workplace support such as flexibility, childcare, and/or healthcare benefits was predicted to positively impact breastfeeding durations as well as job satisfaction upon returning to work. Hierarchical linear regression analysis offered support for some of the hypotheses. While hours worked per week was found to have a significant negative relationship with breastfeeding duration, time spent at home before returning to employment did not significantly affect breastfeeding duration. No significant difference in breastfeeding duration was found for professionals versus non-professionals. In addition, the existence of family-friendly benefits and job flexibility were not significant predictors of breastfeeding duration. Employer provided or subsidized child-care was significantly related to overall job satisfaction among breastfeeding women. Database limitations and significance of findings are discussed.