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Discrimination against breastfeeding mothers in childcare

Author

Listed:
  • Julie P. Smith

    (Australian National University)

  • Sara Javanparast

    (Flinders University)

  • Ellen McIntyre

    (Flinders University)

  • Lyn Craig

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Kate Mortensen

    (Australian Breastfeeding Association)

  • Colleen Koh

    (Australian National University)

Abstract

This study investigates discrimination against breastfeeding mothers by childcare services in Australia. We conducted a cross sectional survey of 178 Australian childcare services from a population based sample during 2011-12. Analysis examined the awareness of relevant legislation and reported extent of discrimination, and explored relationships between childcare service characteristics, accommodation of breastfeeding, and breastfeeding prevalence. We found that most childcare services are unaware of relevant discrimination laws. Some may discriminate against breastfeeding mothers. Most accommodate breastfeeding, though such support is highly variable. Breastfeeding prevalence in childcare services was higher where specific support for breastfeeding was offered. Barriers to combining breastfeeding with employment include varying levels of breastfeeding support including direct and indirect discrimination by childcare services. This may unnecessarily discourage maternal labour force participation and, to the extent it affects continuation of breastfeeding, adversely effect infant nutrition and health. Discrimination against breastfeeding in childcare has wider implications for efficiency, national productivity and gender equality.

Suggested Citation

  • Julie P. Smith & Sara Javanparast & Ellen McIntyre & Lyn Craig & Kate Mortensen & Colleen Koh, 2013. "Discrimination against breastfeeding mothers in childcare," Australian Journal of Labour Economics (AJLE), Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin Business School, vol. 16(1), pages 65-90.
    • Handle: RePEc:ozl:journl:v:16:y:2013:i:1:p:65-90
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Visness, C.M. & Kennedy, K.I., 1997. "Maternal employment and breast-feeding: Findings from the 1988 national maternal and infant health survey," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 87(6), pages 945-950.
    2. Pinka Chatterji & Kevin Frick, 2005. "Does Returning to Work After Childbirth Affect Breastfeeding Practices?," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 3(3), pages 315-335, September.
    3. Julie Smith, 2007. "Time Use Among new mothers, the Economic Value of Unpaid Care work and gender aspects of superannuation tax concessions," Australian Journal of Labour Economics (AJLE), Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin Business School, vol. 10(2), pages 99-114.
    4. Sara Charlesworth & Lyndall Strazdins, 2011. "Parents jobs in Australia: work hours polarisation and the consequences of job quality and gender equality," Australian Journal of Labour Economics (AJLE), Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin Business School, vol. 14(1), pages 35-57.
    5. Bidisha Mandal & Brian Roe & Sara Fein, 2014. "Work and breastfeeding decisions are jointly determined for higher socioeconomic status US mothers," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 12(2), pages 237-257, June.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General

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