Barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among mothers
1
Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, University, Pretoria, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2285
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life, as it is the most natural and effective method of infant feeding to promote optimal growth, health, and survival. ¹ EBF reduces the risk of infectious diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia and supports cognitive development while also offering health benefits to mothers, including reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancer. ² Despite strong evidence supporting EBF and a global commitment to improving breastfeeding practices, EBF rates remain low in many countries, including South Africa. Various social, cultural, and maternal factors influence women’s decisions to discontinue or not to practice EBF.²
METHODS:
A quantitative research approach was used, employing a non-experimental descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 399 participants were selected through systematic sampling and completed self-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with STATA version 13.
RESULTS:
Of the 399 mothers, 95.5% attended antenatal classes, and 98% had heard about EBF, with most receiving information from healthcare professionals (98.9%). All mothers (100%) initiated breastfeeding at birth, and 81% of infants were put to the breast within one hour. The majority of participants (98.2%) demonstrated good knowledge of EBF. However, 19% of infants were not breastfed immediately after birth, mainly due to maternal illness (52.6%) and prematurity (19.7%). Reasons for not practicing EBF included perceived loss of independence (16.3%), fear of breast sagging (6.8%), perceived insufficient milk supply (6%), and the convenience of formula feeding for working mothers (4.4%).
CONCLUSIONS:
Although knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding was high among mothers, some did not practice EBF for the recommended six months, with early introduction of solid foods and infant formula occurring as early as three to four months, highlighting the need for strengthened, context-specific breastfeeding support interventions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life, as it is the most natural and effective method of infant feeding to promote optimal growth, health, and survival. ¹ EBF reduces the risk of infectious diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia and supports cognitive development while also offering health benefits to mothers, including reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancer. ² Despite strong evidence supporting EBF and a global commitment to improving breastfeeding practices, EBF rates remain low in many countries, including South Africa. Various social, cultural, and maternal factors influence women’s decisions to discontinue or not to practice EBF.²
METHODS:
A quantitative research approach was used, employing a non-experimental descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 399 participants were selected through systematic sampling and completed self-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with STATA version 13.
RESULTS:
Of the 399 mothers, 95.5% attended antenatal classes, and 98% had heard about EBF, with most receiving information from healthcare professionals (98.9%). All mothers (100%) initiated breastfeeding at birth, and 81% of infants were put to the breast within one hour. The majority of participants (98.2%) demonstrated good knowledge of EBF. However, 19% of infants were not breastfed immediately after birth, mainly due to maternal illness (52.6%) and prematurity (19.7%). Reasons for not practicing EBF included perceived loss of independence (16.3%), fear of breast sagging (6.8%), perceived insufficient milk supply (6%), and the convenience of formula feeding for working mothers (4.4%).
CONCLUSIONS:
Although knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding was high among mothers, some did not practice EBF for the recommended six months, with early introduction of solid foods and infant formula occurring as early as three to four months, highlighting the need for strengthened, context-specific breastfeeding support interventions.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
