BACKGROUND: In 2011, a collection of health and breastfeeding data for women participating in the federally funded Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program demonstrates that, while NH mothers participating in WIC initiated breastfeeding 70% of the time after delivery, only 11% continued breastfeeding through the first year. Healthcare, workplace, community and family support all play a vital role in helping mothers reach their breastfeeding goals. Studies have found that women with a lower income and less education face a variety of barriers, including familial support and workplace accommodations that lead them to stop breastfeeding or early weaning. The goal of this study is to explore the impact of work on breastfeeding disparities among WIC women in NH. This information may help inform policy and practice recommendations for comprehensive lactation support programs as part of overall health promotion programs that support working mothers.
METHODS: A random sample of WIC clients from the four NH Agency WIC Programs was surveyed (n = 680) using a combination of electronic survey (Qualtrics) and a two-page paper document. Analysis was done in Qualtrics and Excel, focusing on distribution of breastfeeding status, employment status, occupation and industry, employer lactation policies and accommodations, co-worker support, and reasons for stopping breastfeeding.
RESULTS: Stay at home mothers were more likely to breastfeed than mothers who work either part time or full time (30%). Women working full time were less likely to breastfeed (14%) than women working part time (23%). The majority of those currently working have jobs in Health Care and Social Assistance, Retail Trade, Accommodation, and Food Service and Other Services industries. 67% of mothers reported their workplace does not offer maternity leave options. Only 13% of mothers have seen or are aware of their workplace policy on breastfeeding. 40% of women reported they do not have a private place available to them to pump/express milk at work. 35% of mothers reported that they would have continued breastfeeding if it was easier to pump at work. 62% responded that having flexible time or hours would have made it easier to pump at work.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings from the study will be used to develop educational materials for creating awareness and implementing supportive employer lactation policies. This work is positioned to provide opportunities to influence future legislation to support breastfeeding accommodations in the workplace for all working mothers.