Association Between Length of Maternity Leave and Breastfeeding Duration in the United States: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: To perform a systematic review to assess the association between the length of maternity leave and breastfeeding duration in the United States.

Data sources and methods of study selection: This review was conducted with a five-stage model for reviews. We included publications from 2000 to 2023, U.S.-based studies written in English, and primary research and peer-reviewed articles. In February 2023, a medical librarian conducted a search across seven databases, yielding 1,540 results. ClinicalTrials.gov was later searched, yielding no results. After duplicates were removed, 835 abstracts were screened. A full-text article review was then conducted of the remaining 34 articles.

Tabulation, integration, and results: Twenty-three articles met inclusion criteria, two of which were reviews. Of the nonreview articles, all found a positive relationship between increased maternity leave and duration of breastfeeding. Data showed that earlier return to work for the birth parent decreased the odds of breastfeeding dyads meeting breastfeeding recommendations. Many studies adjusted for confounders (eg, race, socioeconomic status); however, Black or Latinx mothers still experience shorter breastfeeding durations or lower breastfeeding exclusivity when given equal leave compared with White mothers.

Conclusion: Results show a positive relationship between length of maternity leave and breastfeeding duration. Advocacy for longer, paid parental leave and more robust research rooted in rigorous methods are needed.