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Maternal employment, breastfeeding, and health: Evidence from maternity leave mandates

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  • Michael Baker
  • Kevin S. Milligan

Abstract

Public health agencies around the world have renewed efforts to increase the incidence and duration of breastfeeding. Maternity leave mandates present an economic policy that could help achieve these goals. We study their efficacy focusing on a significant increase in maternity leave mandates in Canada. We find very large increases in mothers' time away from work post-birth and in the attainment of critical breastfeeding duration thresholds. However, we find little impact on the self-reported indicators of maternal and child health captured in our data.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Baker & Kevin S. Milligan, 2007. "Maternal employment, breastfeeding, and health: Evidence from maternity leave mandates," NBER Working Papers 13188, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:13188
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    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.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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