MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: The impact of prenatal employment on breastfeeding intentions and breastfeeding status at 1 week postpartum

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2013

ISSN: 1552-5732; 0890-3344

DOI: 10.1177/0890334413504149 [doi]

PMID: 24047641

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Postpartum employment is associated with non-initiation and early cessation of breastfeeding, but less is known about the relationship between prenatal employment and breastfeeding intentions and behaviors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the relationship between prenatal employment status, a strong predictor of postpartum return to work, and breastfeeding intentions and behaviors. METHODS: Using data from the Listening to Mothers II national survey (N = 1573), we used propensity score matching methods to account for non-random selection into employment patterns and to measure the impact of prenatal employment status on breastfeeding intentions and behaviors. We also examined whether hospital practices consistent with the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), assessed based on maternal perception, were differentially associated with breastfeeding by employment status. RESULTS: Women who were employed (vs unemployed) during pregnancy were older, were more educated, were less likely to have had a previous cesarean delivery, and had fewer children. After matching, these differences were eliminated. Although breastfeeding intention did not differ by employment, full-time employment (vs no employment) during pregnancy was associated with decreased odds of exclusive breastfeeding 1 week postpartum (adjusted odds ratio = 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.92; P = .028). Higher BFHI scores were associated with higher odds of breastfeeding at 1 week but did not differentially impact women by employment status. CONCLUSION: Women employed full-time during pregnancy were less likely to fulfill their intention to exclusively breastfeed, compared to women who were not employed during pregnancy. Clinicians should be aware that employment circumstances may impact women's breastfeeding decisions; this may help guide discussions during clinical encounters.

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Attanasio, Laura B; Kozhimannil, Katy B.; McGovern, Patricia M; Gjerdingen, Dwenda K; Johnson, Pamela Jo

Periodical (Full): Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association

Issue: 4

Volume: 29

Pages: 620-1247

Countries:

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop