title: Maternal return to paid work and breastfeeding practices in Bangkok, Thailand.
abstract: This study explored the association between mothers' work-related factors and breastfeeding practices in Bangkok, Thailand. Data were collected from 84 working mothers with a child aged 6 to 24 months who visited the breastfeeding mobile clinic at a nursery goods exhibition. Thai interviewers collected data using a structured questionnaire. Analysis of the data showed that exclusive breastfeeding for 3 months was 78.6%, and for 6 months it was 38.1%. Mothers who returned to work 3 months or more after giving birth exclusively breastfed more than the mothers who returned to work in less than 3 months (crude odds ratio [OR] = 4.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.39-13.05; adjusted OR = 4.15, 95% CI = 1.15-14.95). Moreover, mothers who worked at self-employed or family-owned businesses and some mothers working at private companies showed tendencies of returning to work in less than 3 months. Results suggest that longer maternity leave would help extend the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. In addition, the improvement of a breastfeeding supportive environment in the workplace would be valuable and may be an effective means to improve breastfeeding practices and infant health.
authors: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Nagasaki, Japan tomopuugorou@yahoo.co.jp.
authors: Tomomi
authors: T
authors: Aikawa
authors: Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Patcharanee
authors: P
authors: Pavadhgul
authors: Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Rewadee
authors: R
authors: Chongsuwat
authors: Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Siraporn
authors: S
authors: Sawasdivorn
authors: Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Chaweewon
authors: C
authors: Boonshuyar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers; D016017:Odds Ratio; D016134:Organizational Policy; D062707:Return to Work; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand; D014931:Women, Working