Breastfeeding Mothers Returning to Work: Possibilities for Information, Anticipatory Guidance and Support from US Health Care Professionals

Abstract

Today, more mothers in the United States are in the labor force, and returning to the workforce presents numerous challenges for the breastfeeding mother. Although it as been demonstrated that maternal employment is associated with a decrease in the length of time a mother continues to breastfeed, health care providers are in a unique position to enhance a mother's breastfeeding success as she transitions back into the workplace. This article describes various commonly perceived obstacles to combining breastfeeding and working and provides examples of information, anticipatory guidance, and support that health care providers can use to assist a breastfeeding mother with a successful return to the workforce. J Hum Lact. 25(2):226-232.