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Identifying Barriers and Supports to Breastfeeding in the Workplace Experienced by Mothers in the New Hampshire Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Utilizing the Total Worker Health Framework

Author

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  • Eric A. Lauer

    (Institute on Disability, New Hampshire Occupational Health Surveillance Program, University of New Hampshire, College of Health and Human Services, Durham, NH 03824, USA)

  • Karla Armenti

    (Institute on Disability, New Hampshire Occupational Health Surveillance Program, University of New Hampshire, College of Health and Human Services, Durham, NH 03824, USA)

  • Margaret Henning

    (Department of Public Health, Keene State College, Keene, NH 03435, USA)

  • Lissa Sirois

    (State Director, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Concord, NH 03301, USA)

Abstract

Variations in the barriers and contributors to breastfeeding across industries have not been well characterized for vulnerable populations such as mothers participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Our study used the Total Worker Health Framework to characterize workplace factors acting as barriers and/or contributors to breastfeeding among women participating in the New Hampshire WIC. Surveys were collected from WIC mothers ( n = 682), which asked about employment, industry, and workplace accommodation and supports related to breastfeeding in the workplace. We found workplace policy factors supporting breastfeeding (i.e., having paid maternity leave, other maternity leave, and a breastfeeding policy) varied by industry. Women in specific service-oriented industries (i.e., accommodation and retail) reported the lowest rates of breastfeeding initiation and workplace supports for breastfeeding and pumping. Further, how a woman hoped to feed and having a private pumping space at work were significantly associated with industry, breastfeeding initiation, and breastfeeding duration. A substantial portion of women reported being not sure about their workplace environment, policies, and culture related to breastfeeding. Additional studies with larger sample sizes of women participating in WIC are needed to further characterize the barriers to breastfeeding associated with specific industries.

Suggested Citation

  • Eric A. Lauer & Karla Armenti & Margaret Henning & Lissa Sirois, 2019. "Identifying Barriers and Supports to Breastfeeding in the Workplace Experienced by Mothers in the New Hampshire Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Utilizing the To," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-18, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:4:p:529-:d:205391
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fein, S.B. & Roe, B., 1998. "The effect of work status on initiation and duration of breast-feeding," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 88(7), pages 1042-1046.
    2. Murtagh, L. & Moulton, A.D., 2011. "Working mothers, breastfeeding, and the law," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(2), pages 217-223.
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    1. EunSeok Cha & Myoung Hwan Shin & Betty J. Braxter & In Sook Park & Hyesun Jang & Byung Hun Kang, 2021. "Client-Centered Breastfeeding-Promotion Strategies: Q Methodology," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-14, March.
    2. Malgorzata Witkowska-Zimny & Dorota Majczyna, 2021. "How Knowledge about Stem Cells Influences Attitudes towards Breastfeeding: Case Study of Polish Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-14, March.
    3. Flora Ukoli & Jacinta Leavell & Amasyah Mayo & Jayla Moore & Nia Nchami & Allysceaeioun Britt, 2023. "Encouraging and Reinforcing Safe Breastfeeding Practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-16, January.

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