Benefits of a Dedicated Breastfeeding Facility and Support Program for Exclusive Breastfeeding among Workers in Indonesia

Abstract

PurposeA mother's working environment is believed to be a major determinant of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practice. We aimed to define the influence of a facility dedicated to breastfeeding and a breastfeeding support program at the workplace on breastfeeding practice.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in five workplaces. The inclusion criteria were female workers whose last child was between 6 and 36 months old. Observational data were obtained and a questionnaire was filled out. The World Health Organization definition for EBF was used.ResultsData from 186 subjects (74 office workers and 112 factory workers) were collected. Just over half (52%) of the mothers were between 20 and 46 years old, 75.3% had graduated from high school and university, 12.9% had more than two children and 36.0% owned a house. The prevalence of EBF during the last 6 months was 32.3%. A proper dedicated breastfeeding facility was available for 21.5% of the mothers, but only 7.5% had been in contact with a breastfeeding support program. The presence of a dedicated breastfeeding facility increased EBF practice almost threefold, by an odds ratio (OR) of 2.74 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.34-5.64 (p<0.05). Knowledge of the breastfeeding support program increased EBF practice by almost six times (OR, 5.93; 95% CI, 1.78-19.79) (p<0.05).ConclusionOur findings suggest that Governments should make it obligatory for employers to offer a breastfeeding support program and a dedicated breastfeeding facility at the workplace as these simple measures significantly increase EBF.

Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among White-Collar and Blue-Collar Workers in Indonesia

“…A set of self-administered questionnaires was distributed to obtain data related to demographic, occupational, knowledge, attitude and lactating practices in workplace. The questionnaire was modified from Basrowi et al study [6], after being consulted with experts from Division of…”

“…5 Unfortunately, a study in Indonesia showed that only 21.5% of workers have access to proper lactation support at work and only 7.5% of workers benefits from adequate lactation education support/program provided by the employers, which was indicated the poor support of knowledge improvement initiatives in workers. 6 Hence, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among bluecollar worker (manufacture labor) in Indonesia is only 19%, far below national prevalence which was 38%. 7 Workers were defined as white-collar workers by the following 14 job titles: administration, management, accounting, business, planning, personnel affairs, human resources, marketing, distribution, inspection, customer service, sales, supporting and international sales.…”

Maternity Leave Length and Workplace Policies' Impact on the Sustainment of Breastfeeding: Global Perspectives

“…A similar study of Indonesian employed women had similar results. They were 2.7 times more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months with a dedicated space for breastfeeding (Basrowi, Sulistomo, Adi, & Vandenplas, 2015). Research in the Unites States has also been conducted on specific barriers that minority populations, such as African-Americans or workers in low-wage jobs may experience around workplace support for breastfeeding (Johnson, Kirk, & Muzik, 2015).…”

“…Most of the studies reviewed were descriptive in design. Only three survey studies reported any association with potential for prediction when evaluating workplace policy (Basrowi et al, 2015;Kozhimannil et al, 2016;Tsai, 2013). All three studies reviewed found that women were twice as likely to breastfeed when there was a private space for lactation.…”

Violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes: Indonesia context

“…Furthermore, studies show that mothers will breast-feed their babies optimally when they receive appropriate information (3) and health workers' support (4) . A recent study found that knowledge, programme and facility support for breast-feeding mothers at the workplace in urban areas in Indonesia increased exclusive breast-feeding practices almost sixfold (5) . In contrast, information and promotional materials produced by breast-milk substitute companies (6) and the distribution of free samples of breast-milk substitutes have a detrimental impact on breast-feeding (7) .…”