Exploring the Influence of Maternity Leave on Maternal Child Bonding

PROBLEM: Approximately half of the women of child-bearing age are eligible for Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). However, taking unpaid maternity leave may place a significant financial burden on any family. Lack of maternity leave, or shorter durations of maternity leave is listed as a significant barrier to breastfeeding, yet there have been no changes implemented to improve that since FMLA was signed into action in 1993. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore relationships between participant characteristics, breastfeeding initiation and duration, maternity leave, motherhood, postpartum mood disorders (anxiety/depression), and maternal child bonding and attachment. EBP QUESTIONS: (1) Is there a relationship between participant characteristics, breastfeeding initiation and duration, maternity leave, motherhood, postpartum mood disorders (anxiety/depression), and maternal child bonding and attachment? (2) Are there differences in participants characteristics, breastfeeding initiation and duration, postpartum mood disorders (anxiety/depression) and maternal child bonding and attachment between women with at least 12 weeks of maternity leave compared to women with less than 12 weeks of maternity leave? METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study will be conducted using a single on-line survey posted on social media. OUTCOMES: Longer durations of maternity leave and perceived overall good health positively influenced maternal child bonding. This result was consistent with the literature in that length of maternity leave is positively associated with increased mother-child attachment and interactions. Therefore, longer durations of paid maternity leave and longer durations of breastfeeding may represent mediating factors to improved maternal-child bonding. SIGNIFICANCE: This study may provide evidence to support mandated maternity leave, which will in turn meet the goals of Healthy People 2020 and The Surgeon General’s call to action in 2011 to increase breastfeeding rates and support policies that will improve those rates.https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/health_sciences/1015/thumbnail.jp