To identify associated factors towards termination of breastfeeding among working mothers: a survey

Abstract

Background: Women who work are less likely to exclusively breastfeed their babies, and one of the known factors associated with the discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is early return to work. However, few studies have focused on factors at the workplace and individual level which may affect EBF among working mothers and therefore should be evaluated for duration of EBF and breastfeeding knowledge among working mothers.

Objective: To measure factors associated with weaning the child, in working mothers.

Methods: The design of the study was quantitative descriptive. A sample of 50 working mothers was selected to get data about the length of exclusive breastfeeding and influencing factors.

Results: 32.0% of 50 working mothers exclusively breastfed for 7-12 months while 30.0% were exclusively breastfed for 1-3 months. Equal proportions (16.0% each) exclusively breastfed for 4–6 months and for more than 12 months. A few (6.0%) did not even attempt to breastfeed. The results suggest that the duration of EBF among working mothers is quite variable such that the largest group experienced EBF to be in the 7-12 month range, but almost one-third experienced cessation of exclusive breastfeeding during the first 1-3 months.

Conclusion: The study revealed that a significant number of working mothers managed to breastfeed exclusively for 7-12 months but a significant proportion of them stopped by three months and a small number of mothers did not breastfeed at all. The findings highlight the importance of providing targeted developmental support in the workplace (flexibility policy, lactation facilities and maternity leave, among others) in addition to individual counseling and education, to promote and maintain the recommended exclusive breastfeeding practices.