Beliefs Regarding Lactation Success among Mothers on a University Campus

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to characterize the beliefs of university‐affiliated women regarding pumping breast milk on campus. Using convenience sampling, women were recruited via e‐mail, social media, and posted fliers. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted to elicit respondents' behavioral, normative, and control beliefs regarding pumping on campus. Two researchers independently coded and categorized responses based on common themes, and response frequencies were calculated and compared between employees and students. Thirty‐two women (21 employees, 11 students) participated in the interview. Both groups of women most often reported that maintaining milk supply/extending breastfeeding duration was an advantage to pumping on campus. Employees most frequently identified time/scheduling issues as a disadvantage to pumping on campus, while students more often reported mother's discomfort as a disadvantage. Peers and mothers were the most commonly perceived supporters among employees and students, respectively. On the other hand, employees most commonly perceived those who are unaware, uninformed, and/or disapproving of breastfeeding as opponents to pumping on campus, while students most frequently identified superiors (instructors, professors) as oppositional. Regarding control beliefs, students most frequently identified lack of available pumping space as a barrier, while employees most often reported that space availability was a facilitator to pumping on campus. Both employees and students also frequently stated that scheduling and time constraints were a pumping barrier. These results suggest that universities can do more to support all women who wish to continue a breastfeeding relationship while at work or school. Employees and students have common and unique pumping needs that warrant further examination.