Breastfeeding and its alternatives among Papua New Guinea career women ‐ An issue in economic development

One of the contributions women make to household and national economies is production of breastmilk; yet exclusive breastfeeding may compete with women's other productive activities — especially rigidly scheduled activities away from home. Interviews with 97 public health nurses, 40 public school teachers and 21 university students — all indigenous Papua New Guinea mothers resident in the national capital — were completed. The interviews focused on their strategies for feeding their infants while continuing their careers. The data indicated that the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding were unusually high among these women compared to wage‐employed women surveyed in other countries. Supplementation with commercial milk, juices and solids began in the first six months postpartum. Over half the women had returned to work or classes in the first three months postpartum; nearly all listed this return as the primary reason for leaving their infant regularly. Use of a feeding bottle was statistically associated with return to work.