Dare Henry-Moss1, Stephanie Abbuhl1, Lisa Bellini1, Diane L Spatz2. 1. 1 The Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 2. 2 The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Comprehensive workplace lactation support programs can reduce the risk for early breastfeeding discontinuation; however, scant evidence is available to inform user-centered design of employee lactation spaces. This study describes health care workers' preferences for lactation space. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2016-2017, a convenience sample of 151 women who pumped at work at an academic medical center reported on demographics, lactation experiences, and room and equipment preferences through an online survey. RESULTS: Respondents worked in research and administration (32%), were nurses (30%), physicians and medical students (19%), or allied health or clinical support staff (19%). Seventy percent had ever used one of the hospital's dedicated lactation spaces. Forty-nine percent ranked hospital-grade pumps the most important piece of lactation room equipment; 83% preferred multiple occupancy lactation suites; and the average maximum acceptable distance to lactation space was 5.6 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal lactation infrastructure supports the immediate and long-term health of female workers and their children. User needs and preferences can guide design of lactation space to ensure a minimum standard for design, equipment, and distance. Workers may have different preferences depending on roles and experiences; thus, a variety of solutions may be most effective.
BACKGROUND: Comprehensive workplace lactation support programs can reduce the risk for early breastfeeding discontinuation; however, scant evidence is available to inform user-centered design of employee lactation spaces. This study describes health care workers' preferences for lactation space. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2016-2017, a convenience sample of 151 women who pumped at work at an academic medical center reported on demographics, lactation experiences, and room and equipment preferences through an online survey. RESULTS: Respondents worked in research and administration (32%), were nurses (30%), physicians and medical students (19%), or allied health or clinical support staff (19%). Seventy percent had ever used one of the hospital's dedicated lactation spaces. Forty-nine percent ranked hospital-grade pumps the most important piece of lactation room equipment; 83% preferred multiple occupancy lactation suites; and the average maximum acceptable distance to lactation space was 5.6 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal lactation infrastructure supports the immediate and long-term health of female workers and their children. User needs and preferences can guide design of lactation space to ensure a minimum standard for design, equipment, and distance. Workers may have different preferences depending on roles and experiences; thus, a variety of solutions may be most effective.
Entities:
Keywords:
health personnel; health promotion; lactation; return to work; work-life balance; workplace