Abstract
BackgroundAlthough substantial evidence exists on factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding, there is a general lack of qualitative studies that examine how specific workplace factors constrain or promote exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers. The current study therefore examines working mothers’ experience of exclusive breastfeeding, laying emphasis on the influence of workplace factors on working mothers’ decision to exclusively breastfeed their babies.MethodsThe study uses a qualitative research approach and a three-stage purposive sampling procedure to select 20 mothers from 10 organizations in five industries for in-depth interviews on their exclusive breastfeeding experience. Data collected from the interviews were analysed using content analysis, with two major themes emerging for discussion.ResultsThe results suggest that two major factors influence exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers: practice of exclusive breast feeding (knowledge and understanding of exclusive breastfeeding, and experience in exclusive breastfeeding) and workplace factors (length of maternity leave, closing time, absence of maternity policy in organizations, inadequate institutional support and family work-life balance).ConclusionThe results of the study suggest that workplace factors play an equally crucial role in the decision by mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies. Thus, in the special case of working mothers where breastfeeding prevalence is low, the findings of this study can be crucial in evolving appropriate policies to support working mothers in their effort to exclusively breastfeed their babies.
Highlights
Substantial evidence exists on factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding, there is a general lack of qualitative studies that examine how specific workplace factors constrain or promote exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers
Factors such as early return to work, short maternity leave, lack of privacy, feelings of being watched and judged, fatigue and lack of support at work have been suggested to contribute to the low uptake of exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers in China, Kenya and Vietnam [13,14,15]
Respondent 10: “In my opinion, if I were to be asked whether mothers should be given six months maternity leave, so that they can constantly be by their baby to breastfeed without having to pump into bottles, so that after six months they start work? – I would say yes.”. To their breast becoming engorged. These sentiments are captured in the two quotes below: Inadequate institutional support The analysis suggests that lack of institutional support from organizations is one of the factors militating against the smooth practice of exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers
Summary
Substantial evidence exists on factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding, there is a general lack of qualitative studies that examine how specific workplace factors constrain or promote exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that infants are exclusively breastfed for at least 6 months. Existing evidence suggests that mothers who exclusively breastfeed their babies are less likely to develop depressive symptoms [7]. Developing countries report an exclusive breastfeeding prevalence of 36% among infants younger than 6 months [9]. A key challenge contributing to the early cessation of breastfeeding among working mothers is an inflexible work schedule [12] Factors such as early return to work, short maternity leave, lack of privacy, feelings of being watched and judged, fatigue and lack of support at work have been suggested to contribute to the low uptake of exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers in China, Kenya and Vietnam [13,14,15]
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