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A statewide assessment of worksite lactation support programs - Georgia 2013
In the United States, more than 50% of mothers of infants participate in the work force. Recent reports delineate the benefits of having high-quality employer support for breastfeeding employees. Nationally, 25% of employers have lactation support programs. However, no such baseline exists in Georgia.
Methods
We developed a breastfeeding-friendly worksite survey to assess the level of lactation support offered by major employers (50+ employees) in Georgia. In 2013, surveys were sent to a random sample of 4,455 unique businesses. An index of breastfeeding friendliness derived from eight variables including: Lactation room type and presence of paid maternity leave was categorized thus: low (0-3), medium (4-6), and high (7-10). Multinomial logistic regression, controlling for company characteristics was conducted using SAS 9.2.
Results
A total of 280 businesses completed the survey (RR = 6.3%). Business size was distributed thus (28% - <50, 46% - 50-499, 13% - >500 employees). About half (55%) of the businesses provided a space other than a restroom for breastfeeding/expressing milk. The mean BF index was 4.9 (Range: 0-10; low-30%, medium-40%, high-30%). Multinomial logistic regression revealed that business size (AOR=2.18; 95% CI=1.43-3.31) and the population of the city where the business is located (AOR=2.45; 95%CI=1.44-4.19) were associated with increased breastfeeding friendliness.
Conclusions
Approximately half of the businesses surveyed have a LSP. About a third of businesses have a high BF index. Company and city size are determinants of breastfeeding friendliness. Findings are a pointer to the group of businesses that may need assistance in establishing breastfeeding-friendly worksites.
Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programsOccupational health and safety
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Describe the level of breastfeeding support provided by major employers in Georgia.
Assess the lactation support provided by major employers in Georgia in the light of the Fair Labor Standards Act Provision;
Evaluate the level of breastfeeding support provided at their worksites and use the information provided to support breastfeeding initiatives in their locale.
Keyword(s): Breastfeeding, Workplace
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have conducted several research studies on breastfeeding and have examined topics such as reasons why women do not breastfeed; breastfeeding practices and maternity leave, employment benefits and breastfeeding. I recently conducted a study on employer support for breastfeeding mothers, which is the basis of this abstract submission. My education (MD, PhD, MPH) focused on maternal and child health as well.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.