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Attitudes toward breastfeeding working mothers
Elsa B Cardalda1, Susana E Miranda, Melanie Pérez
1Carlos Albizu University, San Juan Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico. cardalda@albizu.edu
Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal
|November 19, 2003
Summary
Puerto Ricans generally support breastfeeding working mothers, but many lack awareness of legal protections and the productivity benefits of milk expression. This highlights a gap in knowledge regarding workplace breastfeeding rights and support.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Sociology of Work
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Assessing workplace attitudes towards breastfeeding is crucial for supporting working mothers.
- Understanding legal rights is essential for employee well-being and compliance.
- Law 427 in Puerto Rico addresses protections for breastfeeding employees.
Observation:
- The study surveyed 101 employees (36 men, 64 women) in the San Juan metropolitan area.
- Participants completed the Attitude Scale toward working breastfeeding mothers.
- The scale demonstrated good internal consistency with a reliability coefficient of r(92) = .70.
Findings:
- Employed individuals in Puerto Rico show general support for breastfeeding working mothers.
- A significant portion of employees are unaware of legal rights protecting breastfeeding mothers at work.
- There is a misconception that milk expression negatively impacts productivity, rather than potentially enhancing it.
Implications:
- Educational initiatives are needed to inform employees about workplace breastfeeding rights and legal protections.
- Promoting awareness of the benefits of milk expression can foster a more supportive work environment.
- Policy makers should consider targeted campaigns to bridge the knowledge gap concerning Law 427 and its implications for working mothers.