Make or break. Mothers' experiences of returning to paid employment and breastfeeding: a New Zealand study.

When mothers return to paid employment, which more and more are doing, they often give up breastfeeding. This qualitative study aims to describe New Zealand mothers' experiences of returning to paid employment and infant feeding. Thirty-four mothers who had given birth between 2003 and 205 were interviewed regarding their experiences and decisions about returning to paid employment following the birth of their child. The presence or absence of the factors of space, time, and support emerged as key factors in the mothers' perception of their ability to continue to breastfeed on their return to paid employment. Employers need to make changes to the workplace environment to encourage and support breastfeeding. But societal attitudes also need to change to become more supportive and positive of breastfeeding workers.