Experiences and Contextual Factors Related to Exclusive Breastfeeding in Full-time Working Mothers
Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose: To explore the experiences and contextual factors, including barriers and facilitators, related to exclusive breastfeeding for full-time working mothers before and after returning to work.Design: Qualitative research employing interviews.Methods: A total of 29 full-time working mothers were selected for purposive sampling from well-baby and lactation clinics at Siriraj Hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews at 2, 4, and 6 months postpartum and analyzed by using content analysis.Main findings: Four main themes of experiences and contextual factors, including barriers and facilitators related to exclusive breastfeeding, emerged. These were: 1) Insufficient information for breastfeeding during work. Mothers could not prepare for breastfeeding prior to returning to work and faced problems with insufficient breast milk; 2) Struggles in maintaining sufficient breast milk for 6 months depending on working contexts that supported breast milk expression. This included work characteristics, feeling secure at work, and understanding and support from colleagues; 3) Seeking information to facilitate breastfeeding. Mothers received insufficient information on methods of breast milk expression and feeding breast milk to their babies; and 4) Support from family members and child care workers. These could be both a support and an obstacle to breastfeeding.
Authors: Pornnapa Tangsuksan, Ameporn Ratinthorn
Institution: Mahidol University
Language: Thai
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W372676159