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

Joseph A. Villarama; Bench G. Fabros; Cristina I. Angeles; Lyan Mae Micah V. Dela Cruz; Abegail V. Dela Fuente; Emily A. Concepcion; Jorri Anne Amethyst R. Antalan; Karen Jean C. Barcelita

doi:10.22437/jiituj.v8i2.36402

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

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v8i2.36402

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.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Joseph A. Villarama, Central Luzon State University

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

Bench G. Fabros, Central Luzon State University

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

Cristina I. Angeles, Central Luzon State University

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

Abegail V. Dela Fuente, Central Luzon State University

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

Emily A. Concepcion, Central Luzon State University

College of Education, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, 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, Nueva Ecija, 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

References

Abekah-Nkrumah, G., Antwi, M. Y., Nkrumah, J., & Gbagbo, F. Y. (2020). Examining working mothers’ experience of exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana. International breastfeeding journal, 15(56), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-020-00300-0.

Agampodi, T. C., Dharmasoma, N. K., Koralagedara, I. S., Dissanayaka, T., Warnasekara, J., Agampodi, S. B., & Perez-Escamilla, R. (2021). Barriers for early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding up to six months in predominantly rural Sri Lanka: a need to strengthen policy implementation. International Breastfeeding Journal, 16(32), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-021-00378-0.

Ahmad, R. S., Sulaiman, Z., Nik Hussain, N. H., & Mohd Noor, N. (2022). Working mothers’ breastfeeding experience: a phenomenology qualitative approach. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 22(1), 85. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-021-04304-4.

Ashby, E. L., Donepudi, S., & Padilla, H. M. (2024). Understanding lactation policies and resources across a university system: survey and document review. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24(1), 367. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-06541-9.

Azam, M., Islam, F., & Rashid, S. (2024). Health, environment, and sustainable development: evidence from panel data from ASEAN countries. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 17(4), 827-842. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-023-01483-1.

Brugaillères, P., Deguen, S., Lioret, S., Haidar, S., Delamaire, C., Counil, E., & Vandentorren, S. (2024). Maternal employment characteristics as a structural social determinant of breastfeeding after return to work in the European Region: a scoping review. International Breastfeeding Journal, 19(1), 38. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-024-00643-y.

Castetbon, K., Boudet-Berquier, J., & Salanave, B. (2020). Combining breastfeeding and work: findings from the Epifane population-based birth cohort. Journal of BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20(1), 110. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-2801-x.

Dhore-Patil, A., Crawford, M., Nedunchezhian, S., El Hajjar, A. H., Mekhael, M., O'Keefe, E., ... & Marrouche, N. (2023). The association of disparities in neighborhood median household income and mortality in patients admitted to the hospital with atrial fibrillation. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 76(0), 84-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2022.11.016.

Dykes, C., Ny, P., Hauck, Y. L., Kuliukas, L., Gallagher, L., Brady, V., & Rubertsson, C. (2023). Women’s perceptions of factors needed to encourage a culture of public breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study in Sweden, Ireland and Australia. International Breastfeeding Journal, 18(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-023-00583-z.

Fabros, B. G., Ancheta, J. T., Balanay, A. J. R., Bellen, M. D., Cuario, A. S. S., & Marzan, M. I. B. (2023). Challenges Encountered by Indigenous Children in Self-Learning Module during New Normal Education. JURNAL PAJAR (Pendidikan dan Pengajaran), 7(6), 2037-2045. http://dx.doi.org/10.33578/pjr.v7i6.9647.

Fabros, B. G., & Ibañez, E. D. (2023). Effectiveness of Utilizing Graphic Organizers in Improving Conceptual Understanding towards Operations of Fractions among Teachers. International Journal of Instruction, 16(1), 507-526. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2023.16128a.

Flor, L. S., Friedman, J., Spencer, C. N., Cagney, J., Arrieta, A., Herbert, M. E., ... & Gakidou, E. (2022). Quantifying the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality on health, social, and economic indicators: a comprehensive review of data from March, 2020, to September, 2021. The Lancet, 399(10344), 2381-2397. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)00008-3.

Fitriana, H., & Waswa, A. N. (2024). The influence of a realistic mathematics education approach on students’ mathematical problem solving ability. Interval: Indonesian Journal of Mathematical Education, 2(1), 29-35. https://doi.org/10.37251/ijome.v2i1.979.

Gao, C. X., Dwyer, D., Zhu, Y., Smith, C. L., Du, L., Filia, K. M., ... & Cotton, S. M. (2023). An overview of clustering methods with guidelines for application in mental health research. Psychiatry Research, 327(0), 115265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115265.

Gartley, T., Bass, J., & Kleinman, R. (2024). Supporting Maternal Efforts to Provide Optimal Infant Nutrition in the Post-Partum Setting. Advances in Nutrition, 15(3), 100183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100183.

Goyena, E. A., Maniego, M. L. V., & Cristobal, A. G. (2023). Validation of selected 2021 infant and young child feeding indicators for appropriate complementary feeding in relation to dietary adequacy and anthropometric status. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 29(3), 501-517.

Gribble, K. D., Smith, J. P., Gammeltoft, T., Ulep, V., Van Esterik, P., Craig, L., Pereira-Kotze, C., Chopra, D., Siregar, A. Y. M., Hajizadeh, M. & Mathisen, R. (2023). Breastfeeding and infant care as ‘sexed’care work: reconsideration of the three Rs to enable women’s rights, economic empowerment, nutrition and health. Frontiers in Public Health, 11(0), 1181229. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1181229.

Hawkins, S. S., Dow-Fleisner, S., & Noble, A. (2015). Breastfeeding and the affordable care act. Pediatric Clinics, 62(5), 1071-1091. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcl.2015.05.002.

Ickes, S., Sanders, H., Lemein, H., Kinyua, J., Singa, B., McAnally, K., ... & Walson, J. (2019). Influences of exclusive breastfeeding among low-wage, working mothers in Kenya: perspectives from managers, healthcare providers, daycare directors, mothers, and fathers (OR30-02-19). Current Developments in Nutrition, 3(1), nzz044-OR30. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzz044.OR30-02-19.

Indaryani, M., Lusianti, D., Zuliyati, Z., Rahmawati, N. I., Krisnanda, K., & Yusof, R. Z. (2024). Troso weaving festival: A catalyst for cultural co-creation. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi, 8(1), 300-309. https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v8i1.31960.

Islam, M. R., Tamanna, T., Mohsin, N. A., Tanha, A. F., Sheba, N. H., & Hannan, J. M. A. (2024). Prevalence and barriers to early initiation of breastfeeding among urban poor full-time readymade garments working mothers: a mixed-methods study in Bangladesh. International Breastfeeding Journal, 19(1), 42. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-024-00645-w.

Jahanbin, I., Rahman, H. A., & Yunos, R. M. (2019). The relationship between health risk and work productivity of selected high school teachers in the Philippines. Journal of Health and Social Sciences, 2019, 1(3), 91-105. https://doi.org/10.32996/jhsss.2019.1.3.12.

Jama, A., Gebreyesus, H., Wubayehu, T., Gebregyorgis, T., Teweldemedhin, M., Berhe, T., & Berhe, N. (2020). Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and its associated factors among children age 6-24 months in Burao district, Somaliland. International breastfeeding journal, 15(5), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-020-0252-7.

Kim J. H., Shin J. C., Donovan S. M. (2019). Effectiveness of workplace lactation interventions on breastfeeding outcomes in the United States: An updated systematic review. Journal of Human Lactation, 35(1), 100-113. https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344187654.

Kozhimannil K. B., Jou J., Gjerdingen D. K., McGovern P. M. (2016). Access to workplace accommodations to support breastfeeding after passage of the Affordable Care Act. Women’s Health Issues, 26(1), 6-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2015.08.002.

Kusuma, R. S. (2020). Improving students’ basic asking skills by using the discovery learning model. Tekno - Pedagogi : Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan, 10(2), 8-13. https://doi.org/10.22437/teknopedagogi.v10i2.32743.

Lauer E. A., Armenti K., Henning M., Sirois L. (2019). Identifying barriers and supports to breastfeeding in the workplace experienced by mothers in the New Hampshire special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children utilizing the total worker health framework. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(4), 529. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16040529.

Li, S., Zhang, W., Liu, Y., Yu, M., Yang, S., Luo, M., & Yang, Q. (2024). Lactating nurses' experiences of return to work after lifting COVID-19 lockdown: A qualitative study. Heliyon, 10(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23761.

Liao, Q., Yuan, J., Lok, K. Y. W., Ngu, S. F., Chen, Y., & Lam, W. W. T. (2023). Learning from mothers' success in breastfeeding maintenance: coping strategies and cues to action. Frontiers in Psychology, 14(0), 1167272. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1167272.

Malapati, S. J., Singh, S. R., Idossa, D., Jordan Bruno, X., Chino, F., Patel, M. A., ... & Duma, N. (2022). Where is your lactation room? Lactation policies and practices in oncology trainee and early career physicians. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 40(16), 11054. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2022.40.16_suppl.11054.

Maramag, C. C., Samaniego, J. A. R., Castro, M. C., Zambrano, P., Nguyen, T. T., Cashin, J., ... & Weissman, A. (2023). Maternity protection policies and the enabling environment for breastfeeding in the Philippines: a qualitative study. International Breastfeeding Journal, 18(1), 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-023-00594-w.

Marshall, N. E., Abrams, B., Barbour, L. A., Catalano, P., Christian, P., Friedman, J. E., ... & Thornburg, K. L. (2022). The importance of nutrition in pregnancy and lactation: lifelong consequences. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 226(5), 607-632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.035.

McDonald, P., Coles, L., & Thorpe, K. (2024). How women educators frame the scarcity of men in early childhood education and care. Gender and Education, 36(5), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540253.2024.2357825.

Mo, N. T., Binh, N. T., Nhung, L. T., Hung, P. H., Cu, H. M., Linh, N. T., & Hai, T. V. (2024). Employee satisfaction, engagement and financial performance in stock brokerage companies. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi, 8(1), 284-299. https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v8i1.32199.

Modjadji, P., Seabela, E. S., Ntuli, B., & Madiba, S. (2023). Beliefs and norms influencing initiation and sustenance of exclusive breastfeeding: experiences of mothers in primary health care facilities in ermelo, South Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 1513. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021513.

Mulyani, S., & Nurlinawati, N. (2020). Efektifitas Pendidikan Kesehatan Dengan Metode Ceramah Dan Diskusi Kelompok Terhadap Pemberian Asi Eksklusif Di Puskesmas Putri Ayu. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi, 4(2), 241-249. https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v4i2.16057

Mulyani, S., & Subandi, A. (2020). Efektifitas Pendidikan Kesehatan Melalui Group Whasapp Reminder Berkala Dengan Metode Ceramah Terhadap Pemberian Asi Eksklusif Pada Ibu Pasca Seksio Sesarea. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi, 4(2), 187-203. https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v4i2.11607.

Nommsen-Rivers, L., Black, M. M., Christian, P., Groh-Wargo, S., Heinig, M. J., Israel-Ballard, K., ... & Raiten, D. J. (2023). An equitable, community-engaged translational framework for science in human lactation and infant feeding—a report from “Breastmilk Ecology: Genesis of Infant Nutrition (BEGIN)” Working Group 5. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 117(1), S87-S105.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.01.020.

Obeagu, E. I., & Obeagu, G. U. (2024). Exploring the profound link: Breastfeeding’s impact on alleviating the burden of breast cancer–A review. Medicine, 103(15), e37695. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000037695.

Pounds, L., Fisher, C. M., Barnes-Josiah, D., Coleman, J. D., & Lefebvre, R. C. (2017). The role of early maternal support in balancing full-time work and infant exclusive breastfeeding: A qualitative study. Breastfeeding Medicine, 12(1), 33-38. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2016.0151.

Putra, R. P., Ramadhanti, A., & Rizky, D. A. (2023). Gender differences in levels of toxic positivity in adolescents: A quantitative study. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi, 7(2), 83-91. https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v7i2.26624.

Rouse, J., Atkinson, J., & Rowe, A. (2021). Peering inside mutual adjustment: Rhythmanalysis of return to work from maternity leave. International Small Business Journal, 39(8), 709-731. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266242620984739.

Ryan, R. A., Whipps, M. D., & Bihuniak, J. D. (2023). Barriers and facilitators to expressing milk on campus as a breastfeeding student. Journal of American College Health, 71(7), 2031-2037. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2021.1953504

Stearns, J. & Spisak, S. (2020). Best practices for lactation support at work. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 135(2), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000003661.

Suhardi, N. A., Muliati, A., Sakkir, G., & Villarama, J. A. (2023). Increasing students’ vocabulary using fairy tales at SMKN 6 Makassar. Journal of Language Learning and Assessment, 1(2), 73–80.

Suwarni, R. (2021). Analysis the process of observing class iv students in thematic learning in primary schools. Tekno - Pedagogi : Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan, 11(1), 26-32. https://doi.org/10.22437/teknopedagogi.v11i1.32717.

Tadesse, F., Kebede, Y., & Gelaw, B. (2019). Exclusive breastfeeding and maternal employment among mothers of infants from three to five months old in the Fafan zone, Somali regional state of Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study. Journal of BMC Public Health, 19(1), 1015. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7345-5.

Vassilopoulou, E., Feketea, G., Koumbi, L., Mesiari, C., Berghea, E. C., & Konstantinou, G. N. (2021). Breastfeeding and COVID-19: from nutrition to immunity. Frontiers in immunology, 12(0), 661806. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.661806.

Vilar-Compte, M., Hernández-Cordero, S., Ancira-Moreno, M., Burrola-Méndez, S., Ferre-Eguiluz, I., Omaña, I., & Pérez Navarro, C. (2021). Breastfeeding at the workplace: a systematic review of interventions to improve workplace environments to facilitate breastfeeding among working women. International journal for equity in health, 20(1), 110. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-021-01432-3.

Villarama, J. A., Barcelita, K. J. C., Pilien, R. V., & Crisanto, W. A. V. (2024). Padlet: Post-Pandemic Avenue for a More Dynamic Language and Literature Learning Through Enhanced Technology Integration. Issues in Language Studies, 13(1), 304–321. https://doi.org/10.33736/ils.6149.2024.

Villarama, J. A., Fabros, B. G., Valdez, M. S., & Adsuara, J. P. (2023). Multitasking language and Mathematics educators: Effects on teaching performance in Hyflex environ. International Journal of Learner Diversity and Identities, 30(2), 455-471.

Yohanie, D. D., Botchway, G. A., Nkhwalume, A. A., & Arrazaki, M. (2023). Thinking process of mathematics education students in problem solving proof. Interval: Indonesian Journal of Mathematical Education, 1(1), 24-29. https://doi.org/10.37251/ijome.v1i1.611.

Zakiyah, Z., Boonma, K., & Collado, R. (2024). Physics learning innovation: Song and animation-based media as a learning solution for mirrors and lenses for junior high school students. Journal of Educational Technology and Learning Creativity, 2(2), 54-62. https://doi.org/10.37251/jetlc.v2i2.1062.