Factors influencing the recommended breastfeeding practices among working mothers in Mbale Municipality.

Abstract

Introduction: Optimal breastfeeding practices ensure adequate nutrients for growth, development, and protection of infant and young child. However, some mothers are unable to breastfeed their children as recommended due to their work. Objective of the Study: The study sought to describe the determinants of breastfeeding practices of working mothers with children 4-23 months in Mbale Municipality. Methodology: A cross-sectional design, utilizing a quantitative approach was used to sample 400 working mothers of children 4-23 months in Mbale Municipality. Systematic random sampling was used to select respondents. A Structured questionnaire was used. Variables were described using frequencies, charts and tables. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between breastfeeding practice and mother‘s demographic variables and workplace factors. The dataset was analyzed with Stata version 12. Results: The result indicates that, only 58.7% mothers initiated breastfeeding within one hour after birth, while 30.8% gave pre lacteal feeds to their infants. Colostrum was consumed by 85.8% infants. More than 89%, started complementary feeding earlier than the recommended age of 6 months. Eighty six percent introduced first water to their child between the ages of 4 to 6 months. More than 74% of mother‘s had their workload reduced after maternity leave. Nursery facilities were available at only 28.6% workplaces. Almost 95% do not have workplace breastfeeding policies. Duration of maternity leave is a key determinant of breastfeeding practice and was significantly associated with breastfeeding practice (P<0.001). Only 45.8% providers had received in-service trainings on breastfeeding after school. Majority of mothers 94.9% received counseling on breastfeeding. Only 17% of the mothers were visited at home by health workers. Finally, type of occupation of mothers (p=0.004) and the duration of maternity leave (P<0.001) were found to be key determinants that associated significantly with duration of exclusive breastfeeding practices of working mothers. Conclusion and Recommendations: Currently, workplace support and current maternity leave duration does not enable a working mother to practice optimal breastfeeding. Hence, it is therefore, recommended that all stakeholders play their roles in ensuring adequate workplace support for the breastfeeding working mothers.