Support or Interference: Relational Influences on Mother's Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices in Ghana
Georgiana Esteves1, Adam Sandow2, Cecilia Segbedji2
1Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Maternal & Child Nutrition
|July 23, 2025
Summary
Family support is vital for mothers practicing exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in Ghana. Fathers and grandmothers play key roles, with their knowledge influenced by healthcare providers and community norms, highlighting the need for their inclusion in maternal care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended by the WHO for optimal infant health and development.
- Maternal adherence to EBF is influenced by various interpersonal and societal factors.
- Family support is recognized as a critical component for successful breastfeeding practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore interpersonal influences of family members (fathers, grandmothers) on EBF adherence in Ghana.
- To document community and societal factors affecting EBF practices.
- To understand the role of family dynamics in supporting mothers with EBF.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews.
- Participants included mothers, fathers, and other caregivers of children under one year old.
- Study conducted in the Central Region of Ghana.
Main Results:
- Family members' knowledge and behaviors regarding EBF are shaped by healthcare providers, peers, and societal norms.
- Fathers' involvement positively impacts the mother-child dyad, with knowledge gained from nurses.
- Grandmothers provide essential support with domestic and childcare tasks, facilitating EBF.
Conclusions:
- Fathers' and grandmothers' support is crucial for mothers' adherence to EBF.
- Community and societal influences significantly shape family beliefs about EBF.
- Integrating fathers and grandmothers into prenatal and postnatal care is recommended to enhance EBF practices.
Keywords:
Ghanabreastfeedingcommunity‐institutional relationsexclusive breastfeedingfamily supportinfant feedingweaningMore Related Videos
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