Peer-reviewed article
Balancing work and motherhood: nurse-mothers' exclusive breastfeeding experiences in rural northern Ghana.
Dujin BL, Lasong J, Agyeman EA, Adjoawubong F, Attah V et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined how nurse-mothers in rural northern Ghana experience and practice exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months. Although nurses had strong knowledge and positive attitudes toward EBF, many stopped or switched to mixed feeding when they returned to work due to short maternity leave and lack of workplace support. The research highlights a gap between nurses' professional beliefs about EBF and the structural barriers—including inadequate lactation facilities and limited family support—that prevent them from sustaining the practice.
Key points
- Nurse-mothers had strong knowledge and positive attitudes toward EBF despite concerns about time, privacy, and work conflicts
- Most participants practiced EBF immediately after birth but discontinued or switched to mixed feeding before six months upon returning to work
- Participants used coping strategies including expression, night feeding, and family support when available
- Structural barriers included short maternity leave and lack of workplace lactation facilities
- Recommendations included workplace lactation rooms, colleague support, family education, and longer maternity leave
Limitations
This qualitative study involved only 15 nurse-mothers in one municipality in rural northern Ghana, so findings may not generalize to other settings or to working mothers without nursing knowledge. The study captures perceptions and reported experiences but does not measure actual infant health outcomes or breastfeeding prevalence rates.
Abstract
Introduction Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months is an evidence-based intervention to reduce child morbidity and mortality. Nurses play a critical role as promoters and role models for EBF; yet little is known about their personal perceptions and experiences, especially in rural Northern Ghana. This study explored nurse-mothers' perceptions and lived experiences of EBF in Savelugu Municipality, Northern Ghana. Methods A qualitative exploratory design was used. Fifteen nurses who had delivered within the prior two years were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between April-June 2023, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Braun & Clarke's thematic analysis guided coding and theme development. Trustworthiness was supported through prolonged engagement, member checking, and an audit trail. Results Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Perceptions of EBF: nurses had strong knowledge and positive attitudes toward EBF, though concerns about time, privacy, and work conflicts were evident; (2) Experiences of Practicing EBF: while most participants practiced EBF immediately postpartum, many discontinued or shifted to mixed feeding before six months upon returning to work; (3) Coping Strategies and Systemic Recommendations: participants relied on expression, night feeding, and family support when available, and suggested workplace lactation rooms, colleague support, family education, and longer maternity leave. These findings highlight the tension between professional knowledge/attitudes and structural realities such as short maternity leave and lack of lactation facilities. Conclusions Nurse-mothers value EBF but face substantial structural and social barriers that limit sustained adherence. Strengthening maternity leave policies, workplace lactation support, and family-inclusive education are essential to help nurses and working mothers more broadly meet EBF recommendations.