Breast-Feeding and Working Outside the Home

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to describe a population of women who successfully combined breast-feeding with maintaining employment. Ninety-six women responded to a questionnaire that covered: reasons for breast-feeding, reasons for returning to employment, working conditions, physiological problems, effect on self-concept, guilt feelings, techniques, sources of information, support systems, and the relationship with the father. Most of the women reported that continuing to work outside the home while successfully breast-feeding resulted in positive effects on their self-image and their relationship with the father. Over half experienced engorgement and milk leakage. Most had the support and help of their co-workers and husbands. Many women suggested it would be helpful to receive breast-feeding information about combining breast-feeding with working and to experience open discussion on the topic with other mothers.