Exploring the Role of Anticipated Maternal Work Resumption Stress on Breastfeeding and Room-Sharing Durations

Breastfeeding and room‑sharing rates decline during the first postpartum months despite World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and known benefits. The reasons behind these declining rates remain poorly understood. Investigating the transition period leading up to the return to work after maternity leave may reveal factors affecting breastfeeding and room-sharing discontinuation.

In this pre-registered study, we investigated anticipated work resumption stress associations with exclusive breastfeeding, any breastfeeding and room-sharing durations, and the moderating role of partner support.

Dutch mothers (N = 101) reported on their emotions in anticipation of work resumption at 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. Partner support was assessed at 12 weeks postpartum. Breastfeeding duration was reported at 8 and 24 months postpartum, and room-sharing duration was reported at 8 months postpartum.

Exclusive breastfeeding between 0-6 months lasted on average 15.76 weeks (SD = 9.26), any breastfeeding between 0-2 years averaged 44.03 weeks (SD = 35.21), and room‑sharing between 0-6 months averaged 3.87 months (SD = 2.09). Mothers reported a mix of positive and negative emotions at 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. At 12 weeks postpartum, 22.8% of mothers (n = 21) rated their anticipated return‑to‑work experience as 5 or lower on a 10‑point scale. No associations were observed between anticipated work resumption stress and breastfeeding and room-sharing durations. Partner support was not identified as moderator.

This study highlights the mix of emotions mothers experience before returning to work. Research with larger samples, and in countries with different leave policies, is needed to further understand the impact of anticipated work resumption stress on breastfeeding practices.