Abstract
Background: Despite scientific recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age and complementary breastfeeding to 2 years of age, breastfeeding abandonment rates increase with time, and one of the main reasons is that women go back to work. Aim: To analyze the perception of support of breastfeeding workers to continue breastfeeding at two Spanish universities, and associated factors. Methods: A multicenter retrospective cross-sectional comparative study conducted in a population of 777 female workers at the Universidad de Sevilla (US) and the Universitat Jaume I (UJI) in Spain using an online questionnaire. Results: The response rate was 38.74% (n = 301). Of all the participants, 57.8% continued breastfeeding after returning to work. The factors associated with continuing breastfeeding for longer were the university having a breastfeeding support policy and special accommodation (p < 0.001); participating in breastfeeding support groups (p < 0.001); intending to continue breastfeeding after returning to work (p < 0.001); knowing the occupational legislation in force (p = 0.009); having a female supervisor (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Breastfeeding support initiatives and having special accommodation to pump and preserve breast milk after returning to work are associated with a longer duration of female workers’ breastfeeding.
Highlights
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, introducing appropriate safe foods for the baby’s age, and maintaining breastfeeding until2 years, if the breastfed infant still wants breast milk [1]
The highest scoring items were: “My coworkers do not make fun of me when I sometimes leak milk through my clothes” (M = 5.01, SD = 1.964, 95%CI = 4.70–5.32); “My coworkers agree that breastfeeding is better for baby’s health than formula feeding” (M = 4.66, SD = 1.707, 95%CI = 4.39–4.93); “I would feel comfortable asking for accommodation to help me breastfeed or pump breast milk at work” (M = 4.54, SD = 2.007, 95%CI = 4.22–4.85) and “My coworkers listen to me talk about my breastfeeding experience”
1.22–1.56); “My job could be at risk if I breastfed or pumped breast milk at work” (M = 2.45, SD = 2.014, 95%CI = 2.13–2.77); “Breastfeeding is common in my workplace” (M = 2.48, SD = 1.759, 95%CI = 2.20–2.76) and “I can find a quiet place other than the bathroom at work to pump breast milk” (M = 2.97, SD = 2.106, 95%CI = 2.63–3.30)
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, introducing appropriate safe foods for the baby’s age, and maintaining breastfeeding until2 years, if the breastfed infant still wants breast milk [1]. The newborn’s first year of life is the period of fastest growth and physical development, which is why the nutritional demands during this period are so high During this period, breast milk as a first natural food provides all the nutrients and energy required to cover a baby’s requirements [2]. The factors associated with continuing breastfeeding for longer were the university having a breastfeeding support policy and special accommodation (p < 0.001); participating in breastfeeding support groups (p < 0.001); intending to continue breastfeeding after returning to work (p < 0.001); knowing the occupational legislation in force (p = 0.009); having a female supervisor (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Breastfeeding support initiatives and having special accommodation to pump and preserve breast milk after returning to work are associated with a longer duration of female workers’ breastfeeding
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