Keep Doing the Good Work: Impact of Coworker and Community Support on Continuation of Breastfeeding

Abstract

Returning to work poses a challenge to new mothers' breastfeeding success during the first 6 months postpartum. While previous research has shown that breastfeeding-related workplace policy plays a significant role in women's decision to continue breastfeeding, the extent to which interpersonal factors such as coworkers' (lack of) support and stigma affect women's breastfeeding behavior is less understood. Through a cross-sectional survey with 500 working mothers, this research found that female coworker support of other women played an important role in affecting mothers' decision to continue breastfeeding after returning to work and contributed to breastfeeding self-efficacy. The findings suggest that mothers' perception of supportive coworker communication has an impact on sustained breastfeeding. Workplaces need to enhance the mother-friendly climate by encouraging and rewarding coworkers and providing support necessary for breastfeeding colleagues.

Breastfeeding after Returning to Work: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Based on the literature, workplace support seems to be an important influence on breastfeeding duration after returning to work. Managerial and organizational support increases exclusive breastfeeding duration nearly twofold [91], with co-workers' support being essential in the decision to continue breastfeeding [92]. Lack of breastfeeding facilities, such as a room dedicated for breastfeeding or a fridge, is associated with breastfeeding discontinuation after RTW [93].…”

Çalışan Kadınlarda Emzirmenin Başlatılma ve Sürdürülme Zamanıyla İlişkili Faktörler

“…İşe döndükten sonra emzirmeye devam eden kadınlar için, kadın iş arkadaşlarının desteği önemli bir belirleyici olarak bulunmuştur. 40 Çalışmamızda da emzirmede eş ve çalışma arkadaşlarının desteğinin işe başladıktan sonra emzirmenin devam ettirilmesinde olumlu yönde etkisi olduğu görülmüştür. Benzer şekilde Zuang ve ark.…”

“…İşyerlerinin, iş arkadaşlarını teşvik edip ödüllendirerek ve emziren kadınlar için gerekli desteği sağlayarak anne dostu iklimi iyileştirmesi ve emzirmeye katkı sağlaması oldukça önemlidir. 40…”

Influence of Early Lactation Assistance on Inpatient Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates

“…A 2018 meta-analysis by Cohen et al (2018) determined that early skin to skin, rooming in, and maternal education about breastfeeding were all associated with improved rates of breastfeeding initiation and/or continuation. External factors including ongoing support from peers and medical professionals has been associated with longer duration of breastfeeding (Edwards et al, 2017;Zhuang et al, 2019). Mothers who seek assistance from International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are more likely to be successful with exclusive breastfeeding at 1 and 6 months of age (Baño-Piñero et al, 2018;Eden et al, 2018;Patel & Patel, 2016).…”