Experiences, challenges and opportunities of exclusive breast feeding among full time employed mothers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: - Maternal employment affects child caring time and is reported to be the major reason for low rates of Exclusive breast feeding. Objective: - This study aims to explore the breastfeeding experiences of employed mothers in different working environments and identifying challenges and opportunities of Exclusive breast feeding (EBF) in bole sub city, Addis Ababa Ethiopia 2023. Methods:-A qualitative study design using a descriptive Phenomenology approach was used. A homogenous purposive selection was used to choose women who fulfill the inclusion criteria. 10 mothers were interviewed using in-depth interview technique. Data was collected by the researcher in Addis Ababa Bole 17-20 sub city from Feburary2023 up to April 2023. Recorded interviews were transcribed and translated and the information obtained was then organized and coded to generate themes. Results:-Three themes emerged from the analysis: opportunities to exclusively breast feed, Challenges to EBF and coping mechanisms in this mother. Employed Mothers mentioned multiple challenges to continue breast feeding they also mentioned opportunities and coping mechanisms they had that helped them to breast feed longer Conclusion and recommendation:-Full time employed breast feeding mothers need the collective support of employers, organization, health facility, family members and the government in order to increase the practice of Exclusive breast feeding. Further studies are recommended after this study.......Thesis available at Addis Continental Institute of Public Health Library