Lactation in the Workplace: A Pediatric Employee Survey

Background: Numerous benefits of breastfeeding exist, including lower incidence of diabetes, asthma, and eczema for infants and decreased risk of postpartum bleeding and depression for mothers. Employers of breastfeeding mothers have improved employee productivity, morale, company image, and employee retention. The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age; however, in the US, only 25% of mothers report meeting that goal. Studies investigating the relationship between breastfeeding and employment found that working mothers are more likely to stop breastfeeding in the first month of return to work compared to their non-working counterparts. Barriers to pumping at work include an unsupportive …