title: In-hospital Breastfeeding and Intention to Return to Work Influence Mothers' Breastfeeding Intentions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Research continues to demonstrate that formula feeding is associated with numerous long-term negative outcomes for a mother and her infant. However, many women cease breastfeeding sooner than intended and recommended. Breastfeeding has been found to be related to demographics, maternal mood, and returning to work outside the home.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to shed light on the woman's perception of the effect of working on intended breastfeeding duration. This study used intentions to return to work and in-hospital breastfeeding to predict breastfeeding intentions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women (N = 160) were surveyed during the first 48 hours postdelivery of healthy, full-term infants. Survey instruments included demographics (socioeconomic status, maternal age, education, and marital status), depression, fetal attachment, current exclusive breastfeeding status, as well as breastfeeding and return-to-work intentions for the next year. A path analysis was used to explore relationships and predictors of breastfeeding intentions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The model had a good fit and breastfeeding intentions were predicted by exclusive breastfeeding in the hospital (β = 0.21, P < .01) and negatively predicted by return to work (β = -0.18, P < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Exclusive breastfeeding in the hospital within the first 48 hours postpartum and intention to return to work influence how long a mother intends to breastfeed. Attention to these areas can be provided immediately postpartum to support exclusive breastfeeding and provide informational support on continuing to breastfeed/express milk upon return to work if the mother intends to return to work.
authors.affiliation: 1 Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Shera C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Thomas-Jackson
authors.affiliation: 1 Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Gail E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Bentley
authors.affiliation: 2 South Plain College, Levelland, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Keyton
authors.affiliation: 1 Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reifman
authors.affiliation: 1 Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Mallory
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boylan
authors.affiliation: 1 Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Sybil L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Hart
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004651:Employment / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010465:Perception; D062707:Return to Work / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015206:Southwestern United States; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: breastfeeding; depression; exclusivity; fetal attachment; intentions; maternal employment