Public policy on breastfeeding among working mothers in Taiwan: comparison between two national surveys

Abstract

Abstract Background Providing a supported breastfeeding environment after childbirth and allowing women to work reassure is an essential element for maternal care services. To study the correlation and effectiveness of breastfeeding behavior of postpartum working mothers, using public and workplace lactation rooms in Taiwan. Methods The study was a secondary data analysis of 6,992 and 7,350 postpartum women respectively conducted in 2011 and 2016 from a national survey. Logistic regression analysis was conducted for investigating effectiveness of public policy on breastfeeding among working mothers in Taiwan. Results Working mothers using public lactation rooms (PLR) and workplace lactation rooms (WLR) increased in 2016 over 2011 whether it is for exclusive or total breastfeeding. At 6 months postpartum, the rate of EBF increased by 20.0% and ABF by 22.6% of using PLR; the rate of EBF increased by 14.4% and ABF by 16.8% of using WLR in 2011. At 6 months postpartum, the rate of EBF increased by 11.2% and ABF by 16.15% of using PLR; the rate of EBF increased by 3.1% and ABF by 15.3% of using PLR in 2016. In 2016, the second (OR = 6.44, p < 0.001), fourth (OR = 7.02, p < 0.001), and sixth (OR = 6.83, p < 0.001) months of the adjusted OR for EBF; and WLR in 2016 the second (OR = 9.90, p < 0.001), fourth (OR = 9.56, p < 0.001), and sixth (OR = 9.27, p < 0.001) months of the adjusted OR for ABF rate. Conclusion Lactation support rooms are a significant factor to encourage working mothers to continue with breastfeeding when they return to work. Rewarding businesses to construct more lactation rooms as well as providing breastfeeding resources is necessary towards the goal of improving the global breastfeeding rate.