Experiences with work-family conflict, breastfeeding, and perinatal mental health among women returning to work after giving birth: A mixed methods study

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study aimed to examine working mothers’ experiences with returning to work after giving birth, work-family conflict, breastfeeding, and mental health. Methods A sequential, mixed methods design was used to administer an online survey to capture job characteristics and perceptions of work-family conflict among first-time mothers in Georgia who gave birth within the previous year (N = 26). Then, interviews were conducted to understand their experiences with returning to work, work-family conflict, breastfeeding, and mental health. Results Many participants worked in educational settings and returned to full-time work after giving birth. Qualitative themes from 12 interviews captured the context of participants’ work environments, types of work-family conflict, and factors that alleviated work-family conflict. Conclusions Employers need to incorporate support for work-family conflict and perinatal mental health into workplace breastfeeding programs and maternity leave policies.