The experiences of breastfeeding mothers returning to work as hospital nurses in Pakistan: A qualitative study

Background

Pakistan has a higher infant mortality rate than countries with comparable economies, with around half of all under-5 deaths occurring in the first month of life. Breastfeeding is known to improve infant morbidity and mortality, but rates of formula feeding in Pakistan are increasing. Maternal employment is recognised globally as a major barrier to the continuation of breastfeeding.

Aim

To describe the attitudes and experiences of breastfeeding mothers returning to full-time work as nurses in a tertiary hospital in Pakistan.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with seven purposively sampled participants who were breastfeeding at the time of return to work. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

Three major themes were identified: belief in a child’s right to breastfeed, conflict with institutional power and the importance of family support in maintaining breastfeeding. Antenatally mothers described breastfeeding as the preferred infant feeding option and the child’s right. When returning to work mothers encountered rigid hospital policies and practices, such as a short and non-negotiable period of maternity leave, inflexible shift patterns, and lack of childcare provision. Parents’ strategies to continue breastfeeding included some mothers bringing babies to hospital wards while they worked, and babies’ fathers bringing the baby to the hospital for feeds.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the barriers to breastfeeding experienced by mothers working as hospital nurses in Pakistan. Babies can be put at risk due to the strategies parents adopt to reconcile continued breastfeeding with maternal employment.