Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices and Workplace Support Offered to Formally Employed Mothers in Nairobi Accessing Well-child Services at the Nairobi Hospital Outpatient Centres

Abstract

Background Breastmilk is the most important nutrition that a mother can offer her child. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce infant and child mortality. Despite the numerous benefits to both mother and child, breastfeeding working mothers find themselves disadvantaged in maternal employment. Mostly due to workplaces lacking a suitable environment for good breastfeeding practices. Objectives The main aim of the study was to describe exclusive breastfeeding practices among formally employed working women in Nairobi. The secondary objective was to describe the type of workplace support offered to the same employed mothers. Methodology A cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted at The Nairobi Hospital’s, five outpatient centres offering well-child services. A total of 234 eligible participants were issued with a questionnaire. Descriptive data were summarized into tables to show percentages and frequency. Univariate and multivariate data analysis of the independent variable categories such as maternal characteristics, social support and workplace support were performed. Results The median age was 32 years for mothers and nine months for infants. A positive association between paid maternity leave and workplace support to secure breastfeeding-friendly was reported. The prevalence of EBF was 79% (95% CI 70%, 82%). Out of the 179 participants that exclusively breastfed only 45% had access to a breastfeeding station. A majority of 75.4% (135) participants reported flexible working hours and showed 2.56 times greater odds when accorded the same support. Mothers given more than three months of maternity leave were 4.74 times more likely to breastfeed exclusively with 74.3% (133) reporting EBF. Conclusion The rates of EBF are improved when working mothers are also accorded good workplace support to promote EBF. The current policies in place to support breastfeeding mothers at the workplace have been poorly implemented. Furthermore, poor knowledge of a workplace breastfeeding policy is demonstrated in the findings.