Working conditions prevent exclusive breastfeeding until the sixth month

The working condition of women directly interferes with the breastfeeding of babies and most of them cannot maintain exclusive breastfeeding until the sixth month of life, as recommended by the WHO (World Health Organization).

The situation worsens according to the activity performed and the amount of working hours, according to a survey carried out by the Federal University of Maranhão and released this month, when breastfeeding is celebrated.

The results show that, out of 10 mothers, only 3 are able to breastfeed their child exclusively at the breast for up to six months. The percentage increases when it comes to exclusive breastfeeding for four months. In this case, out of every 10 mothers, 6 are able to maintain breastfeeding.

The study followed 5,166 mothers between 2010 and 2013. Initially, participants answered a questionnaire 24 hours after delivery about their occupations. Then, between 2012 and 2013, they were interviewed about the duration of exclusive breastfeeding when the children were 24 to 36 months old.

The group was divided between mothers in semi-specialized occupations, such as manicurists, shoemakers, laboratory assistants and fairgrounds, among others, and mothers in office activities, with fixed working hours. Mothers who did not work also participated.

Those who were in semi-skilled manual occupations and those who worked eight or more hours a day stopped breastfeeding earlier than expected more often.

According to the results, when it comes to exclusive breastfeeding until the fourth month, the percentage is 58.2% for those who work. In the case of those who do not work, the rate was 64.6%.

In terms of exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months, 46% of those who do not work maintained breastfeeding during the period. The rate drops to 34.4% for mothers in semi-skilled manual work and 34.4% for those in office roles (34.7%).

Occupations versus breastfeeding

Author of the study, Professor Marizélia Ribeiro highlights that the intention was to show the behavior of exclusive breastfeeding in different work groups. “Often, research only studies whether a woman works or not. We wanted to see more: what working conditions make mothers leave more,” she says.

Standing up, having to complete a journey and being in informal activities also negatively interfere with breastfeeding, highlight the researchers. In addition, for those who have a formal contract, the mandatory maternity leave of up to 120 days (four months) interferes with breastfeeding. Only some categories and companies are licensed for up to 180 days (six months).

Nutritionist faces back to work and wants to keep breastfeeding

Self-employed nutritionist Viviane Aparecida Santos Gama, 36, mother of Valentina Santos Gama, four months old, faces the difficulty of reconciling breastfeeding and returning to work in person. She visits clients during the week in São Paulo.

“I don’t want to give formula at all, I’m worried. I’m trying to do everything to keep her on exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months”, says the professional, who knows the benefits of breast milk. “It’s the most complete food you have. It’s the best thing; it will prevent several diseases, including obesity, which is the current evil”, she says.

Valentina goes to the day care center, in the east side of São Paulo, where they live, and her mother does the milking for the girl wherever she is. The difficulty lies in transport, so Viviane took great care with the equipment she bought to store. “I bought a thermos bottle and I use a thermos bag I already have, because it can’t have any risk,” she says.

“I’m self-employed, I fall into this same issue of a manicure mother, and others.”

The fear that her three-month-old daughter will not adapt when she returns to work made Jaqueline Elza Batista, 24, stop breastfeeding and offer baby Dafne Lavor Batista another milk before she is four months old. “If I didn’t have to go back, I would try to breastfeed longer,” she says.

Jaqueline will return to her occupations later this month and “trained” Dafne to take a bottle. As spending is also a concern, she chose not to give milk formula, which is more expensive, and has already offered regular powdered milk to the baby.