Workplace breastfeeding support and breastfeeding practices among healthcare professionals

Abstract

Introduction: Working mothers face striking challenges in breastfeeding. It is important to focus on them to further improve breastfeeding rates. Aim and Objectives: To assess the workplace breastfeeding support and breastfeeding practices of healthcare professionals. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study among two hospitals in East Delhi. All mothers having at least one child aged six months to five years and currently employed as healthcare personnel were included. For a sample size of 100, population proportionate to size sampling was done among two hospitals. The participants were randomly selected from a list of healthcare personnel. Employee perception of breastfeeding support questionnaire (EPBS-Q) was used to assess the workplace breastfeeding support. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions, logistic regression, and survival analysis to find the association between workplace breastfeeding support and IYCF parameters. Results: The proportion of mother who perceived poor workplace breastfeeding support was 37%. The mean (SD) score obtained was 103.48 (8.93). The early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour was practiced by 54%, exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months by 60%, and timely initiation of complementary feeding for six to eight months by 64% mothers. Workplace breastfeeding support was significantly associated with exclusively breastfeeding for at least six months. Conclusions: More than one-third of mothers perceived poor workplace breastfeeding, and it was associated with exclusive breastfeeding.

Keywords

• breastfeeding
• maternity benefits
• workplace support