Maternal Employment and Breastfeeding

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Abstract
• This survey of 567 women reports 676 mother-infant experiences with maternal employment and breastfeeding. Timing of return to employment and number of daily hours worked, rather than type of job, influenced when babies weaned. Timing of return to work had a more negative effect than the number of hours worked. Half of the respondents provided only human milk for missed feedings. Mothers who used breast pumps or hand-expressed their milk were more likely to nurse longer than women who did not pump their breasts at times of missed feedings. American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines regarding recommended timing of solid foods and weaning after the first year were followed by many employed breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding is possible following maternal return to employment. (AJDC 1984;138:958-960)