Returning to Work Too Soon After Birth? Breastfeeding May Be Affected.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has announced new research entitled “Juggling Work and Breastfeeding: Effects of Maternity Leave and Occupational Characteristics”. The study looked at breastfeeding duration in new moms aged 18 or older, who gave birth to one healthy baby between July 2002 and December 2003. Mothers who took a maternity leave of six weeks or less, or between six and 12 weeks, was associated, respectively, with a fourfold and twofold higher risk, of poorly established breastfeeding. The study found that women who returned to work within six weeks of giving birth were three times more likely to stop breastfeeding compared to women who did not return to work. In addition, women working in inflexible or non-managerial jobs, and those with high psychosocial distress, were at a greater risk of stopping breastfeeding. Women who took maternity leave after delivery (versus before giving birth) determined breastfeeding success.

Remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life, at which point complementary foods are introduced, and continuing through the first year of life, or for as long as mutually desired. The authors of the study recommend that pediatricians encourage women to take maternity leave, and to push for extended and paid postpartum leave, in addition to having more flexibility in working conditions for breastfeeding women.