Maternity Leave Length Affects Breastfeeding

(January 4, 2009) - The longer a woman can stay away from work, the more likely she is to have success breastfeeding her newborn. (Read about "Breastfeeding" "Newborn Concerns") A study in the journal Pediatrics found that a maternity leave of six weeks or less was associated with the highest risk of non-established breastfeeding. Maternity leave of 6 to 12 weeks also made successful breastfeeding more difficult.

Researchers examined breastfeeding duration in new mothers - age 18 or older, who gave birth to a single child, without abnormalities over an 18-month period.

The study found that women with maternity leaves ending within six weeks of giving birth were three times more likely to stop breastfeeding, compared to women who did not return to work. Women working in inflexible or non-managerial jobs, and those with high psychosocial distress, were at greatest risk of breastfeeding cessation. Maternity leave after delivery but not prior to delivery influenced breastfeeding success.

The American Association of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed during the first year of life, and for as long as is mutually desired. The study authors recommend that pediatricians encourage women to take maternity leave, and advocate for extended, paid postpartum leave; and more flexibility in working conditions for breastfeeding women.