Full Breakdown
Working From Home Linked to Lower Breastfeeding Rates, New Study Shows
8/10/2026, 9:38:45 PM
Study Overview
A recent investigation published in the *Western Journal of Nursing Research* examined breastfeeding outcomes among 81 new mothers tracked from June 2022 to August 2023. The researchers compared three groups: mothers employed outside the home, mothers working remotely, and stay-at-home mothers. The analysis focused on exclusive breastfeeding during the first 24 weeks after birth, a period that aligns with public-health recommendations for exclusive milk feeding for the first six months.
Key Findings & Statistics
- At the 24-week mark, 70 % of mothers working outside the home were still exclusively breastfeeding.
- 60 % of mothers who worked from home maintained exclusive breastfeeding.
- Only 37 % of stay-at-home mothers were exclusively breastfeeding.
These rates contrast with the broader U.S. figure that roughly 30 % of mothers sustain exclusive breastfeeding through six months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study suggests that the location of work does not inherently improve breastfeeding outcomes; rather, the presence of structured support appears pivotal.
Researcher Interpretation
She noted that both paid employment and infant care constitute demanding responsibilities, creating a “compound workload for mothers.” Wood argued that effective support must include institutional backing, formal breastfeeding resources, and clear workplace boundaries, irrespective of whether a mother’s job is performed at home or elsewhere.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Caring for an infant is a rewarding but demanding job, and performing paid work is equally demanding,” — Wood
- “Many people assume stay-at-home mothers to have the highest breastfeeding probability because they have constant physical proximity to their infants,” — Wood
