Breastfeeding, Work, and Identity Balance
March 2024
London School of Economics (LSE)

Introduction
Dive into the world of working moms and the breastfeeding conundrum! This eye-opening article from the London School of Economics explores the tricky balance between nurturing a newborn and returning to the workforce. Discover how mothers' identities and the support from dads' paternity leave play crucial roles in decisions about breastfeeding duration and work comeback. It's not just about milk and money; it's about identity, support, and striking a balance that works for everyone. Ready to unravel the complexities? Let’s go!
READ FULL ARTICLEWhy It Matters
Discover how this topic shapes your world and future
Balancing Acts - Nurturing Babies and Careers
Why does the dance between breastfeeding, maternity leave, and work matter? Imagine a world where every mother has the freedom to choose how she nurtures her newborn while also pursuing her career without penalty. This topic dives into the heart of such choices, exploring how mothers juggle the benefits of breastfeeding with the demands of their professional lives. It’s a global conversation, touching on health recommendations by WHO and AAP, psychological well-being, and workplace policies. For you, this might resonate with experiences in your family or spark interest in how societies support motherhood and career ambitions simultaneously. It’s about understanding the delicate balance between personal and professional life, a skill you'll find valuable in any path you choose.
Speak like a Scholar

Breastfeeding Duration
The total time a mother spends breastfeeding her child, recommended by health organizations to be at least six months.

Maternity Leave
A period of absence from work granted to a mother before and after giving birth.

Work-Home Resources Model
A theory suggesting individuals seek resources, both internal and external, to achieve their goals in work and family life.

Maternal Separation Anxiety
Feelings of worry, guilt, or sadness a mother experiences when separated from her child.

Work Identity
How a person views their job as a part of who they are, influencing their decisions and satisfaction with work.

Paternal Leave
Time off work granted to fathers after the birth of a child, supporting the family and sharing childcare responsibilities.
Independent Research Ideas

The Impact of Workplace Culture on Breastfeeding Success
Investigate how supportive versus unsupportive workplace environments affect the duration of breastfeeding among working mothers.

Psychological Effects of Maternity Leave on Family Dynamics
Examine how the length and quality of maternity leave impact the psychological well-being of the entire family, not just the mother.

The Role of Fathers in Supporting Breastfeeding and Work-Life Balance
Study the effects of paternal leave and involvement on breastfeeding duration and mothers' return to work.

Comparative Analysis of Global Maternity Leave Policies
Compare and contrast maternity leave policies across different countries and their impact on breastfeeding rates and maternal health.

Breastfeeding, Work Identity, and Gender Norms
Explore how societal expectations around gender roles influence a mother's decision to breastfeed and her feelings towards work and identity.
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