Beyond pregnancy: reinterpreting the occupational health and safety hierarchy of controls as a workplace breastfeeding support framework

Jamil, Nurul Akma and Pauzee, Fariduddin and Tan, Woei Ling (2026) Beyond pregnancy: reinterpreting the occupational health and safety hierarchy of controls as a workplace breastfeeding support framework. Indonesian Journal of Nursing Research, 9 (2). pp. 98-107. ISSN 2656-9590 E-ISSN 2615-6407

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (356kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Breastfeeding promotion efforts have traditionally focused on pregnancy, childbirth, and the immediate postpartum period through initiatives such as antenatal education, maternity services, and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). However, many mothers encounter challenges in sustaining breastfeeding after returning to work, where organisational, environmental, and cultural barriers may contribute to early breastfeeding cessation. Despite growing recognition of workplace breastfeeding support, existing interventions are often implemented in isolation and lack a systematic framework for prioritisation and integration. This paper presents a nursing perspective on extending breastfeeding support beyond healthcare settings by proposing a conceptual workplace breastfeeding support framework informed by Total Worker Health (TWH) principles and operationalised through a reinterpretation of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Hierarchy of Controls. Rather than conceptualising breastfeeding as an occupational hazard, the framework applies the hierarchy as an intervention prioritisation tool for addressing workplace barriers that hinder breastfeeding continuation among employed mothers. The proposed outcomes include breastfeeding continuation, maternal well-being, infant health, employee retention, and gender equity. By integrating maternal-child health and occupational health perspectives, the framework highlights the shared responsibilities of employers, occupational health practitioners, nurses, and policymakers in supporting breastfeeding employees. Extending breastfeeding support into workplace settings may contribute to healthier families, improved workforce sustainability, and more equitable employment practices.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	breastfeeding, lactation, occupational health, workplace
Subjects:	R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics > RG951 Maternity nursing. Obstetrical nursing R Medicine > RT Nursing
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Special Care Nursing
Depositing User:	Sr Nurul Akma Jamil
Date Deposited:	04 Nov 2026 14:27
Last Update:	04 Nov 2026 14:27
Queue Number:	2026-10-Q5982
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/132431
Indexed In:	Google Scholar

Actions (login required)

View Item