Breastfeeding Rates Affected by Work

The Effect of Employment Status on Breastfeeding in the United States

Research reported in the August 2006 edition of Women’s Health Issues indicates that women who are employed full-time are significantly less likely to initiate breastfeeding or to breastfeed their infants at all.  Researchers based their conclusions on data examining the relationship between employment status and a mother’s decision to breastfeed.  Though rates of breastfeeding are higher now compared to two decades ago, according to the study, full-time employment has a strong negative impact on a mother’s decision to breastfeed.  Major factors affecting breastfeeding and full-time employment include lack of space or time to express breast milk, concerns about support from co-workers and employers, and real or perceived low milk supply.  Researchers find that lactation programs in the workplace have positive outcomes on breastfeeding rates, absenteeism, productivity, morale, company loyalty and overall health care costs.  In fact, 90 percent of employers on the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers offer workplace lactation programs. 

Further, the study finds that timing of return to work has a strong influence on breastfeeding rates.  Women with longer, paid maternity leaves, compared to unpaid maternity leaves, are more likely to initiate breastfeeding and to breastfeed for longer durations.  In the United States, 63 percent of working women are either hourly paid or holding minimum wage jobs, and these positions are less likely to offer paid maternity benefits.  Unpaid leave, for example the 12 weeks provided by the Family and Medical Leave Act, may not be an option for the majority of full-time working mothers due to financial constraints.  The researchers leading the study suggest that costs of increasing maternity benefits to include paid leaves of absence could be offset by increased productivity, decreased absenteeism, lower health care costs, higher morale and improved company loyalty.  In summary, breastfeeding goals for Healthy People 2010 may not be reached without greater support and improved programs for mothers who work full-time and wish to breastfeed.

Ryan AS et al. The effect of employment status on breastfeeding in the United States. Women Health Iss. 2006;16:243-251.