Challenges and Facilitators of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Working Mothers in Urban Settings: A Study from Ga North Municipality

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), recommended for the first six months of life, faces notable adherence challenges among working mothers in urban environments. This study investigates the facilitators and barriers affecting EBF practices among working mothers in the Ga North Municipality, a diverse Greater Accra Region urban region. Employing a facility-based cross-sectional design, the research captures responses from 380 working mothers using a structured questionnaire developed through extensive literature reviews. Results indicate a high awareness of EBF benefits among participants; however, practical implementation challenges persist due to workplace demands, cultural norms, and lack of supportive infrastructure. A significant 91.1% of respondents observed positive health changes in their infants, yet 46.1% described difficulties in maintaining EBF due to work-related constraints. Cultural practices and workplace inflexibility were noted as major impediments, alongside physical and emotional challenges faced by mothers. Despite these obstacles, 83.9% of the mothers would recommend EBF to others, highlighting a positive disposition towards EBF amidst challenges. The study suggests that enhancing workplace policies and culturally sensitive educational campaigns could improve EBF rates and overall maternal and child health outcomes. This research underscores the need for targeted interventions to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, facilitating better support for breastfeeding mothers in similar urban settings.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), recommended for the first six months of life, faces notable adherence challenges among working mothers in urban environments. This study investigates the facilitators and barriers affecting EBF practices among working mothers in the Ga North Municipality, a diverse Greater Accra Region urban region. Employing a facility-based cross-sectional design, the research captures responses from 380 working mothers using a structured questionnaire developed through extensive literature reviews. Results indicate a high awareness of EBF benefits among participants; however, practical implementation challenges persist due to workplace demands, cultural norms, and lack of supportive infrastructure. A significant 91.1% of respondents observed positive health changes in their infants, yet 46.1% described difficulties in maintaining EBF due to work-related constraints. Cultural practices and workplace inflexibility were noted as major impediments, alongside physical and emotional challenges faced by mothers. Despite these obstacles, 83.9% of the mothers would recommend EBF to others, highlighting a positive disposition towards EBF amidst challenges. The study suggests that enhancing workplace policies and culturally sensitive educational campaigns could improve EBF rates and overall maternal and child health outcomes. This research underscores the need for targeted interventions to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, facilitating better support for breastfeeding mothers in similar urban settings.