Association between maternal socioeconomic status and breastfeeding: Results from the Japan environment and children’s study

Abstract

Although breastfeeding has various benefits for mothers and children, there are several barriers to continuing breastfeeding practices. However, little is known about the relationship between breastfeeding in Japan and maternal socioeconomic circumstances. Based on data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (n = 75,742), we evaluated maternal socioeconomic factors associated with breastfeeding 1 year after giving birth. Socioeconomic status (education, employment status, and household income), working hours, and breastfeeding were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. After descriptive analysis, a logistic regression analysis was conducted with adjustments for age, educational level, employment status, and household income. Mothers with higher education and full-time homemakers were more likely to breastfeed one-year-old children. Mothers working long hours (both part-time and full-time) were less likely to breastfeed their one-year-old children. To improve breastfeeding among working mothers, it may be helpful to promote awareness of breastfeeding for every mother as well as to make the workplace environment conducive for working mothers to breastfeed.