Table 4.

Perceptions of female employees about breastfeeding support rooms (n = 53), Brazil, 2019–2020.

Perceptions	Quotes
Positive
Importance of BSRs	“I consider it extremely important with immeasurable repercussions […]” (M3); “extremely essential” (M4); “It is indispensable […]” (M8); “They are essential” (M11); “fundamental for those who want to breastfeed” (M18); “There's nothing better, super necessary” (M23); Necessary. Indispensable […] improves the quality of life of the whole family because if the mother is well, the family will also be” (M26);
Importance of BSRs for women	“Essential for working mothers who are aware of the importance of breast milk.” […] (M1); “Necessary for mothers who breastfeed, regardless of how long.” (M10); “A space necessary so that mothers do not have to be exposed or go through constraints when feeding their children. […] (M17); “It is fundamental to our process […] (M20) “It is a fundamental support for mothers who want and/or must breastfeed” (M29); “A standout for us mothers” (M32);
Importance of BSRs for the child	“[…] These rooms are essential for the babies' development […] (M1); “[…] the Ministry of Health proves that breastfeeding contributes to the child's health” (M3); “It is beneficial for mothers and especially for babies who will continue to be breastfed longer” (M24);
Importance of BSRs for breastfeeding	“Essential to encourage exclusive breastfeeding” (M2); […] Makes a lot of difference in support for breastfeeding” (M12); “encourages breastfeeding and that women breastfeed longer” (M19); “Helps in the process of continuity of breastfeeding and donation of breast milk” (M21); “[…] is essential for the continuity of breastfeeding […] (M41); “[…] a unique space that contributes to increasing breastfeeding time” (M47);
Importance of BSRs for job performance	“[…] And a satisfied employee with her needs well-met is more productive at work” (M27); “[…] and also for the comfortable performance of their job activities” (M41);
Appreciation of the woman employee	“[…] it is a way for the company to demonstrate that it cares about women and to promote the well-being and health of mothers and children” (M3); “It makes a difference for women who live in conflict between their family l and work life. The company that has one is saying: We support you at this moment, everything is fine” (M7); “Represents the appreciation of the working woman, providing due support in such a difficult moment of returning from family leave and being apart from the baby” (M16); “[…] It demonstrates respect, attention, and care for their employees” (M17); “It is sensational, having an exclusive place for moms to take fresh milk to their child […] five-star company” (M22);
Ambiance	“Excellent, it has everything necessary” (M5); “Very cozy and quiet room” (M9); “It is comfortable, safe, hygienic and private for the mother” (M30); “The environment makes us well at ease, it is clean and cozy, with a fridge and freezer, hot water in the sink, alcohol, and tissue” (M43); “the environment is very good, clean, calm, totally adequate” (M44); “It is a reserved, clean place, with the necessary appliances (refrigerator, couch, sink, etc.) that makes the woman feel at ease” (M46);
Negative
Little use	“It's super interesting. But in practice, it only worked for me […]” (M14); “[…] but since the room administrator had left the company, the place was a little neglected,one of the faucets didn't work, for example, and it was not cleaned often. But there was a refrigerator, a couch and a key. With this, I realized that few mothers used the room, I think it is a cultural issue and also more difficult for the mothers of the operational team” (M45);
Little existence	”There is almost no such space” (M48);
Need for reinforcement	“[…] I believe that the importance is even greater for companies that grant only 4 months of maternity leave” (M1); “all companies should have […] (M12); “indispensable, every company should have” (M13); “I think it should remain and be further developed. With clear policies regarding use that aim to help mothers and families maintain breastfeeding” (M49); “all companies should have one to encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work” (M42)