KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICES, AND CONSTRAINTS AMONG BREASTFEEDING EMPLOYEES TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION OF LACTATION AREA

Authors

  • Joseph A. Villarama Central Luzon State University
  • Bench G. Fabros Central Luzon State University
  • Cristina I. Angeles Central Luzon State University
  • Lyan Mae Micah V. Dela Cruz Central Luzon State University
  • Abegail V. Dela Fuente Central Luzon State University
  • Emily A. Concepcion Central Luzon State University
  • Jorri Anne Amethyst R. Antalan Central Luzon State University
  • Karen Jean C. Barcelita Fowler Elementary School District

Keywords:

Breastfeeding, Gender Study, Lactation Areas, Lactating Employees, Workplace Inclusivity

Abstract

Breastfeeding empowers women and children and working mothers who revolutionize the workplace globally, specifically in carrying mutual roles as employees delivering quality service to humanity and mothers nurturing their children. This study explored the knowledge, practices, and constraints among breastfeeding working mothers in Region III, Philippines, towards implementing lactation areas. A mixed-methods approach combined a quantitative survey with a qualitative semi-structured interview component. Findings showed a high prevalence of breastfeeding among working mothers, coupled with a good level of knowledge about breastfeeding practices. However, constraints such as lack of lactation areas in offices, heavy workload, and limited support were revealed, thus foregrounding the need for institutionalized policies and guidelines to establish lactation areas in offices, promote breastfeeding, and support working mothers and their welfare, anchored on sustainable development goals (SDGs). By addressing these issues, workplaces position a more conducive environment for breastfeeding mothers, contributing to improved maternal and infant health outcomes. Further, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers, employers, and healthcare providers in initiating more effective strategies to support breastfeeding working women. Through the documented findings and by providing concrete recommendations for policy and infrastructure, this research advances the shaping of a more breastfeeding-friendly environment, promotion of maternal and infant health, supporting SDG 3—good health and well-being, and enhancement of workplace productivity towards achieving SDG 8—decent work and economic growth and SDG 5—gender equality.

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Author Biographies

Joseph A. Villarama, Central Luzon State University

College of Education, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Philippines and Assistant Professor III

Bench G. Fabros, Central Luzon State University

College of Education, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Philippines and Assistant Professor I

Cristina I. Angeles, Central Luzon State University

College of Education, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Philippines and Associate Professor V

Lyan Mae Micah V. Dela Cruz, Central Luzon State University

College of Education, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Philippines and Instructor II

Abegail V. Dela Fuente, Central Luzon State University

College of Education, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Philippines and Associate Professor II

Emily A. Concepcion, Central Luzon State University

College of Education, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Philippines and Assistant Professor III

Jorri Anne Amethyst R. Antalan, Central Luzon State University

College of Education, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Philippines and Instructor II

Karen Jean C. Barcelita, Fowler Elementary School District

Fowler Elementary School District, Arizona, United States of America and English Language Arts Teacher

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Published

2024-10-14

How to Cite

Villarama, J. A., Fabros, B. G., Angeles, C. I., Dela Cruz, L. M. M. V., Dela Fuente, A. V., Concepcion, E. A., Antalan, J. A. A. R., & Barcelita, K. J. C. (2024). KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICES, AND CONSTRAINTS AMONG BREASTFEEDING EMPLOYEES TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION OF LACTATION AREA. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi, 8(2). Retrieved from https://online-journal.unja.ac.id/JIITUJ/article/view/36402