Balancing Work and Family

Abstract

This article describes an investigation of the effect of postpartum employment and occupational type on breastfeeding initiation and duration. Data were from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort. Postpartum employment status was classified as full-time, part-time, and not employed. Among postpartum workers, occupational type was classified as management, professional, service, sales, administrative, and "other." In adjusted analysis, professional women had a 20% greater likelihood of initiating breastfeeding than administrative workers (risk ratio [RR] 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.30). Full-time workers had a 10% lower likelihood of initiating breastfeeding than those not employed (RR 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.97). Among breastfeeding initiators, full-time workers had a 19% lower likelihood of any breastfeeding beyond 6 months than those not employed (RR 0.81; 95% CI, 0.65-0.99). To improve breastfeeding initiation and duration in the United States, part-time options may be an effective solution for working mothers.

The Impact of Prenatal Employment on Breastfeeding Intentions and Breastfeeding Status at 1 Week Postpartum

“…However, any such bias would be unlikely to differ by employment status. Breastfeeding behaviors are known to differ by occupational category, 5,36 but our data do not contain information on occupational category, so we were unable to explore this level of analysis. Our data also lacked information on women’s postpartum employment plans, which may be the mechanism by which prenatal employment affects breastfeeding.…”

“…Full-time maternal employment has been identified as a reason for early cessation of breastfeeding, and intention to return to work and full-time postpartum employment are associated with non-initiation of breastfeeding. 2–5 …”

Breastfeeding Behavior Among Adolescents: Initiation, Duration, and Exclusivity

“…For instance, several sociodemographic characteristics, such as greater maternal age, higher education, unemployed status, higher socioeconomic status, married status, and greater parity have all been linked to greater likelihoods of breastfeeding among non-adolescent mothers[13-15]. Non-Hispanic white women initiate breastfeeding more often and continue breastfeeding longer than non-Hispanic black or Hispanic women[14,16].…”

“…Non-Hispanic white women initiate breastfeeding more often and continue breastfeeding longer than non-Hispanic black or Hispanic women[14,16]. Participation in WIC may also be associated with breastfeeding, although results are inconsistent[15,17], and obesity may also influence breastfeeding behavior[18]. Women who do not smoke often have higher rates of breastfeeding initiation than women who do[15], and psychological characteristics, such as increased depression and stress have been associated with decreased likelihoods of breastfeeding[19-21].…”

“…Participation in WIC may also be associated with breastfeeding, although results are inconsistent[15,17], and obesity may also influence breastfeeding behavior[18]. Women who do not smoke often have higher rates of breastfeeding initiation than women who do[15], and psychological characteristics, such as increased depression and stress have been associated with decreased likelihoods of breastfeeding[19-21]. Furthermore, perinatal factors, including prematurity, Cesarean section, labor and delivery complications, and low birthweight may reduce the mother’s ability to initiate and sustain breastfeeding[13,14,16].…”