Barriers and facilitators for breastfeeding among working women in the United States

Objective: To review the literature and describe the barriers and facilitators to the continuation of breastfeeding for at least 6 months by working women in the United States. Data Sources: A search of PubMed, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, ISI, PsychInfo, and ProQuest. Study Selection: Twenty studies based on the inclusion criteria and published between January I, 1995, and January 2006. Data Extraction: An ecologic framework, which includes the individual (microsystem), social support and relationships (mesosystem), and the workplace environment (exosystem). Data Synthesis: When working mothers possess certain personal characteristics and develop a strategic plan, breastfeeding is promoted. When social support is available and when support groups are utilized, lactation is also facilitated. Part-time work, lack of long mother-infant separations, supportive work environments and facilities, and child care options facilitate breastfeeding. Conclusions: Health care providers can use the findings of this review to promote breastfeeding among working women by using tactics geared toward the mother, her social network, and the entire community.