Work Hours, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Breastfeeding Status Among Postpartum Women: Insights From NHANES

PurposeBreastfeeding provides substantial health benefits for infants and postpartum parents, yet many parents in the United States do not breastfeed for the recommended duration. This study examined associations among employment, demographic characteristics, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and current breastfeeding status among postpartum individuals.MethodsCross-sectional data from 4 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2011-March 2020) were analyzed for 568 postpartum individuals. Logistic regression models examined associations between work hours, demographic characteristics, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and breastfeeding status. Moderation analyses assessed whether physical activity or sedentary behavior modified the relationship between work hours and breastfeeding.ResultsParticipants working ≥35 hours per week had significantly lower odds of breastfeeding than those not working (OR = 3.76, 95% CI [1.91, 7.40]) or working fewer than 35 hours per week (OR = 6.68, 95% CI [3.01, 14.82]). Older age, higher educational attainment, being married or partnered, and having a normal body mass index were associated with greater odds of breastfeeding, whereas increasing months postpartum was associated with lower odds. Recreational physical activity demonstrated a small moderating effect that was not significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Sedentary behavior was not associated with breastfeeding.ConclusionsFull-time employment was associated with reduced breastfeeding among postpartum individuals. Workplace policies and support that facilitate breastfeeding continuation may improve breastfeeding duration among employed parents.