Breastfeeding and Return to Work or School

Abstract The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months or longer for infant and mother are indisputable. The importance of mothers’ education and employment to themselves, their children, their spouse, and their family is equally significant. A judicious and practical merging of breastfeeding and work (or education) to optimize the benefits of breastfeeding and working/education is essential. Further development of best practices supporting mothers in their breastfeeding goals, making breastfeeding-friendly workplaces and child-care environments and collaboratively involving mothers, fathers, families, and communities in these goals are worthy challenges.