Breastfeeding practices of working women

Breastfeeding is the fundamental aspect of child rearing that a woman copes with. It creates a wonderful bond between mothers and their babies. The importance of breast feeding to child health is highlighted by the yearly World Breastfeeding week (Forste, Weiss & Lippincott 2001:291). Breastfeeding promotions in the Northern province like anywhere else in the country appear effective and visible enough to encourage women at all levels to breastfeed. Ironically, many women give up breastfeeding when they return to work because the thoughts of expressing their milk at work and the fiddling around with pumps and storage at work seem overwhelming (McAlpine 1998:80). Based on the assumption that breastfeeding requires commitment and determination, the researcher thought it was necessary to enquire about the experiences of working women on breastfeeding. Focus group interviews were conducted using a semi-structured format. Twenty-six women participated in three focus group discussions. The study was conducted in the suburban areas of the Northern Province, Soutpansberg region. Data was transcribed from a taped session and analysed using an open code method. Four major categories were identified: Knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding, lack of support at work, lack of support at home and a need for facilities and resources that promote breastfeeding at the workplace. It was perceived that women are so stressed at the end of the day that they have little or no time to nurse the baby. They appear however knowledgeable about the benefits, advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding their babies. A concern was also raised that the time that they therefore spend with their babies is limited and affect their relationship with their babies. Women felt that they need support from their employers as well as colleagues at work to be able to balance their responsibilities.