According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding is 
recommended for at least 6 months after birth but it ideally should last for the 
first year of the infant’s life or longer.  Breastfeeding not only improves the 
growth, development, and health of the infant but it also decreases the 
frequency of lower respiratory infections, ear infections, diarrhea, and urinary 
tract infections while providing the infant protection against other chronic 
diseases.  The mother benefits too.  She will experience less lochia, 
amenorrhea, and faster return to prepregnancy weight along with long term 
health benefits (Witters, 2003).  With all of these benefits for both the baby 
and mother, one would think that breastfeeding rates would be stable at least 
through 6 months.

	In one study 50% of the mothers breastfeeding stopped after 3 
months and 75% after 6 months (Kimbro, 2006).  I believe that part of this 
problem is that women return to work, do not have adequate support, and do 
not have enough information.  I think that employers need to be accepting of 
the mother breastfeeding and continue to encourage the mother to breastfeed 
once she has returned to work especially those who work in service jobs, such 
as waitressing, because they are the least likely to continue breastfeeding 
when they return to work (Kimbro, 2006).  They can do this by providing paid 
breaks for the mother to pump.  Family and friends also need to be 
supportive.  Some studies have shown that mothers are more likely to 
continue breastfeeding if they have an adequate support system, especially 
from their families (Witters, 2003).  Finally, I think that governmental programs 
such as WIC (women, infants, & children) need to stress the importance of 
breastfeeding.  One study showed that WIC clients do not initiate 
breastfeeding.  This could be due to lack of education because of their 
socioeconomic status (Ahluwalia, Morrow, & Hsia, 2005).  Breastfeeding would 
be beneficial for those of a lower socioeconomic status.  It would not only 
save a lot of money but it could also decrease any health problems the baby 
or the mom could have.  

What have you found that encourages mothers to continue breastfeeding?  
Should employers be required to give paid breaks so breastfeeding mothers 
can pump?

References

Ahluwalia, I., Morrow, B., & Hsia, J. (2005).  Why Do Women Stop 
Breastfeeding? Findings From the Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring 
System.  Pediatrics 116(6), 1408-1412.  Retrieved on February 3, 2007.  
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/116/6/1408

Kimbro, Rachel (2006).  On-the-Job Moms:Work and Breastfeeding 
Initiationand Duration for a Sample of Low-Income Women.  Maternal and 
Health Journal 10(1), 19-26.  Retrieved on February 3, 2007.  
http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.undmedlibrary.org/ehost/pdf?
vid=4&hid=113&sid=94ac64e8-a2e6-49cf-85d5-4b912a53c704%
40sessionmgr106 

Witters-Green, Ruth (2003).  Increasing Breastfeeding Rates in Working 
Mothers.  Families, Systems, and Health 21(4), 415-434.  Retrieved on 
February 3, 2007.

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