Breastfeeding & Work in Latin America. Is there a role for EAPs?

Abstract

Breastfeeding is beneficial to the health of both women and infants. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) women who breastfeed have longer intervals between births and, as a result, a lower risk of maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as lower rates of breast cancer rates before menopause and potentially lower risks of ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and coronary heart disease. One of the principal barriers to breastfeeding is returning to work. The article provides Latin American evidence about this issue and how EAPs may provide support to women who wish to continue lactation after maternity leave.