The influence of formal employment on breastfeeding pattern of mothers in Mampong Ashanti

Abstract

Adequate breastfeeding only with no food or medicinal supplement is all that is needed for the normal infant during the first six months of life. Decline in in breastfeeding practices is not only detrimental to the health of the infant but also to mother-child relationship with serious damages to the family and social integration. This study examined the influence of formal employment on mothers‟ breastfeeding from 0-6 months infants in Ashanti-Mampong. A sample of 120 working mothers‟ breastfeeding from 0-6 months were selected using purposive, convenience and stratified sampling techniques. Data were collected using questionnaire and focus group discussion. Direct quotations and thematic analysis were employed as main tools to analyse the qualitative data whereas descriptive statistical analysis such as frequencies, percentage distributions, tables and pie charts were used to analyse quantitative data and present findings. Results showed that work cultures were not favourable enough but it did not influence breastfeeding rates and duration among working mothers. The study also revealed that returning to work shortly after child birth and maternity leave does not deter mothers from exclusive breastfeeding. The study recommended that mothers should be encourage to continue with the type, rate and duration of breastfeeding due to it benefits. Also, maternity leave should be long enough to allow 6 months breastfeeding so as not to deter breastfeeding mothers from exclusive breastfeeding. Finally, employers should develop favourable policies that allow breastfeeding at the workplace.