Breastfeeding and work a tough mix

Researchers say women need more support on returning to the workplace

Women need more support to breastfeed when they return to work — and employers need better education about the law, a new study shows.

The just-published research from Massey University, led by PhD candidate Narges Alianmoghaddam, has found even well-off women who are highly motivated to breastfeed often do not make it to six months.

Returning to work and breastfeeding exclusively proved particularly difficult.

Both the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation recommend six months of exclusive breastfeeding.

It’s considered the best way to provide complete nutrition for infants, as well as preventing illnesses in early childhood.

Research also points to health benefits later in life, such as a lower risk of cancer.

More than 80 per cent of babies are exclusively breastfed when they leave hospital. But that trails off drastically soon after.

At three months, 42 per cent are fed solely on breast milk, and by six months, just 16 per cent.

Most studies link lower rates of breastfeeding to issues such as lower income, lower education levels or lack of social support.

But the researchers argued in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing that the literature does not address why many “socially advantaged” women also struggle to breastfeed to six months, even without lactation problems.

As part of a wider qualitative study, they talked to 30 women with good education, good incomes and strong social support networks. All were extremely keen to breastfeed exclusively for six months — but only half managed the feat.

Several said their workplace was not “breastfeeding-friendly” and they were reluctant to raise the idea with their employer.

Previous research has shown the most negative influential factor on any breastfeeding duration is a mother returning to work fulltime, while one — a medical doctor — was concerned she would not be able to juggle running a clinic and expressing milk.

Under NZ law employers must provide appropriate breaks and facilities for women who want to breastfeed at work.

But the researchers believe some are not fully aware of their obligations, or the benefits of breastfeeding — including better staff retention, less sick leave and more productive female workers.

They have called for a Baby Friendly Workplace initiative to be developed, to educate workers and bosses about the law.

Other reasons given for starting formula or solids early ranged from “wanting your body back” to being unable to meet the nutritional demands of the baby.

The general consensus was breastfeeding advice should be individualised. One mother, Victoria, planned to stick with breast milk till six months but started her boy on solids at five months.

He was “literally reaching for food and growling while we were eating”, she told the researchers.

Some mums also introduced solids before three months, often under the influence of family members, or if their baby seemed to be “ready” for food.

Despite the WHO sixmonth recommendation, other studies support a more individualised path.