Acceptability of pumping breastmilk among working mothers in Vietnam, a rapidly industrializing country

Abstract

Previous research identified returning to work as a major barrier to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in Vietnam. Pumping breastmilk (BM) is a potential solution to this constraint. In the context of a process evaluation (PE) of the Alive & Thrive program to promote EBF, an analysis of in‐depth interviews with 22 rural Vietnamese mothers identified cultural facilitators and barriers to pumping BM. Facilitators included an awareness of the benefits of BM, a culture of predominant breastfeeding, and support from grandparents. Hand‐expressing BM was also common, but mainly for discarding some foremilk after activities such as washing dishes or returning from the market, which exposed the mother to ngoai (outside) influences and “cold” milk, causing infant stomach illness. Scientific knowledge about bacterial contamination reinforced negative perceptions of BM stored at room temperature. Mothers expressed concern that cooling and reheating BM stored in a refrigerator degraded it. Most mothers responded unfavorably to pumping, emphasizing the importance of milk directly from the breast, and formula feeding as the best alternative. An understanding of traditional practices and current pressures helps to identify challenges to pumping as a solution to continued breastfeeding in this context.Grant Funding Source: Alive & Thrive, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and managed by FHI360