Impact of Returning to Work on Nurses’ Breastfeeding and Milk Expression Experiences: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: Returning to work can disrupt breastfeeding continuity, particularly when workplace environments do not support milk expression. Adequate time, privacy, and appropriate physical spaces are essential for sustaining breastfeeding among working mothers. OBJECTIVE: This study explored nurses' experiences, perceptions, and expectations regarding breastfeeding and milk expression after returning to work postpartum. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was used. Data were collected from 13 nurses working in a public hospital in Türkiye through semi-structured interviews conducted until data saturation. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts. RESULTS: Five themes were identified: maintaining breastfeeding, thoughts about breastfeeding/expressing breast milk at work, experiences of expressing breast milk, evaluation of the breastfeeding/milk expression environment, and nurses' expectations during the period of expressing breast milk at work. Nurses reported challenges such as limited time for milk expression, lack of privacy, inadequate or uncomfortable lactation spaces, and insufficient organizational and colleague support. Supportive coworkers and accessible lactation facilities facilitated continued breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: Workplace conditions strongly influence nurses' ability to sustain breastfeeding after returning to work. Insufficient lactation spaces, limited time, and lack of privacy hinder milk expression, whereas supportive colleagues and organizational policies facilitate it. Creating dedicated, private, and comfortable lactation rooms, and strengthening workplace support systems, may improve breastfeeding continuity among nurses.