Summary
Background and aim
Breastfeeding is an essential source of nutrition for young babies; however, it is
challenging for employed mothers to continue breastfeeding with employment, especially
if workplace support is minimal or missing. In Pakistan, from 1983 to 2008, the prevalence
of breastfeeding at 6 months has decreased from 96% to 31%. In this region, workplace
barriers have been reported as one of the reasons that result in early cessation of
breastfeeding among working mothers. This paper aims at reviewing global literature
to explore workplace interventions that can promote the breastfeeding practices among
working mothers in Pakistan.
Methods
A literature search of peer reviewed databases, including CINHAL (1980–2009), MEDLINE
(1980–2009), Pub Med (1980–2009), Springer Link (1980–2008), and Cochrane Database
of Systematic Reviews (3rd quarter, 2008), was undertaken. Considering the pre-set
inclusion and exclusion criteria, out of more than 500 literature sources, 50 were
shortlisted and reviewed.
Results
A review of global literature revealed that in order to promote breastfeeding practices
among employed mothers, the most powerful workplace interventions include: educating
working mothers about management of breastfeeding with employment; enhancing employers’
awareness about benefits of breastfeeding accommodation at workplace; arranging physical
facilities for lactating mothers (including privacy, childcare facilities, breast
pumps, and breast milk storage facilities); providing job-flexibility to working mothers;
and initiating mother friendly policies at workplace that support breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In Pakistani workplace settings, where little attention is paid to sustain breastfeeding
practices among working mothers, there is a need to initiate lactation support programmes.
These programmes can be made effective by implementing composite interventions at
the level of breastfeeding working mothers, employers, and workplace.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 06, 2012
Accepted:
December 30,
2011
Received in revised form:
December 11,
2011
Received:
May 19,
2011
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2012 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
