Breastfeeding Hard In Moms With Long Work Hours; Experts Advise Delay Return To Work

Breastfeeding moms who return to work after their maternity leave are faced with more challenges of feeding times, especially if they are in the office for long hours. More often than not, they won't be able to sustain their breastfeeding routines, which could affect the baby. Should new moms delay returning to work then?

Experts from the University of Queensland Institute for Social Science Research in Australia published a study on breastfeeding in the Pediatrics journal. They note that mothers who work less than 20 hours a week can sustain breastfeeding for six months or more, versus mothers who are in full-time employment.

Breastfeeding Time-Consuming For Working Moms?

Among the 2,300 working mothers the researchers asked in a survey, a noticeable decline was seen in breastfeeding moms who work more than 35 hours a week. Some 60 percent of these moms eventually give up breastfeeding for good. On the other hand, at least 45 percent of moms who work for 20 to 34 hours a week eventually stop breastfeeding, while those who work 19 hours or less have a 10 percent chance of going with other feeding alternatives.

"Given the time-consuming nature of breastfeeding, mothers need to be physically with their baby to maintain breastfeeding, particularly in the first six months of the baby's life," said lead study author Ning Xiang via CBS News. "Working more than 20 hours entails that mothers would have to spend less time with their baby."

Breastfeeding And Working Moms: The Options

The experts advise that moms should consider delaying their return to work in the six months at least. But if this is not possible, their employers should be able to extend flexible arrangements and added benefits, including a friendlier and comfortable room at work where they can breastfeed or express breastmilk.

"This study demonstrates there's a lot of flexibility to be had, and there's no one right way to support moms," said Kate Dupont Phillips of the Nemours Health & Prevention Services. The experts also suggest that governments should also come up with other solutions to help breastfeeding mothers and their new babies.

Breastfeeding for at least six months is continually emphasized by many health agencies. Breastmilk is seen as a "critical" source that helps babies develop better immune systems against infection and disease, or fight obesity when they are older.

Breastfeeding is also not just beneficial to the baby but to the mom. It can curb the risks of breast and ovarian cancer, per the World Health Organization. Watch the video below for more of the advantages of breastfeeding: