Working from home doesn't guarantee breastfeeding success
Working from home is often seen as a good solution for new mothers, but a new Washington State University study reveals that the blurred boundaries between home and work can introduce barriers to sustained breastfeeding.
A recent study from Washington State University challenges the assumption that working from home guarantees successful breastfeeding. The research, published in the Western Journal of Nursing Research, reveals that mothers who work, whether at home or away, are more likely to continue exclusive breastfeeding for six months compared to stay-at-home mothers.
Lead researcher Natsuko Wood emphasizes that the key factor is not the location of work, but the nature of the workload and the level of work engagement. While remote work arrangements were initially thought to promote breastfeeding, the study found that mothers working from home faced increased cognitive demands and workplace stress, which negatively affected their ability to sustain exclusive breastfeeding.
In contrast, mothers working outside the home had the highest probability of continuing exclusive breastfeeding, with 70% success rate, followed by remote workers at 60%. Stay-at-home mothers had the lowest success rate, at 37%. The study highlights the need for employers to provide robust support for breastfeeding employees, regardless of their work location, including structured breastfeeding support and clear workplace boundaries.
The findings underscore the complex demands faced by working mothers and the importance of institutional backing to ensure their breastfeeding success.
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