Abstract
ABSTRACT Background, rationale and aim of the study Breastfeeding is considered to be an important measure to secure child s optimal health and survival. In urban areas of Pakistan most of the women can t afford to live at home longer because they serve as an important contributor of their family income. A woman's return to work has frequently been found to be a main contributor to the early termination of breastfeeding. Most workplaces do not have the supportive environment for breastfeeding. This will probably result in discontinuation of mother's milk and breastfeeding. Little research exists regarding workplace breastfeeding facilities. The current study aimed to assess the factors affecting breastfeeding practices among employed mothers in the workplace. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, using a random sampling procedure where 297 workplace sites were assessed. One mother and one employer from each site were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected between June 2014 to December 2014. The eligibility criterion for mothers was that they had initiated breastfeeding 3-24 months prior to the survey. Studied factors were workplace breastfeeding facilities. Results Only 12 % of the sites were providing breastfeeding breaks for working mothers. Almost 86% of the mother s had received 3 months maternity leave. Provision of lighter jobs and information about breastfeeding options upon mothers return to work were reported from 15% and 5% of the work places respectively. Less than 1% of the sites had separate lactation rooms, a nursery for childcare, breast milk pump and refrigerator for storing mother's milk. There were statistically significant difference by type of employer (government or private) and site level (national or multinational) with regards to flexible time, lactation room, lighter job, paid maternity leave and provision of breastfeeding options upon mothers return. Conclusion We found that the majority of the workplace sites lacked basic facilities to support mothers to combine breastfeeding with work such as breastfeeding breaks, lactation room, and nursery for childcare, breast milk pump, refrigerator and provision of lighter job. Key words: Breastfeeding, working mother, workplace, breastfeeding support, employer.