Washington State University study finds work setting affects breastfeeding

A longitudinal study by Washington State University surveyed 81 new mothers across four time points between June 2022 and August 2023. The research found that mothers who were employed, whether working from home or outside the home, were more likely to continue exclusive breastfeeding for six months than stay‑at‑home mothers. Those who worked outside the home showed the highest likelihood of sustained exclusive breastfeeding, even though they reported negative emotions from separation.

The study’s corresponding author, assistant professor Natsuko Wood, emphasized that employer support—such as structured breastfeeding policies and clear workplace boundaries—is crucial regardless of where the work is performed. The findings were published during World Breastfeeding Week (August 1‑7) and highlight the need for institutional backing as remote and hybrid work arrangements, which surged during the COVID‑19 pandemic, remain common. In the United States, only 27 % of infants are exclusively breastfed for six months, according to CDC data.