The enablers and barriers to continue breast milk feeding in women returning to work

Abstract

AIM: To describe the enablers and barriers working women experience in continuing breast milk feeding after they return to work postpartum in urban Malaysia. BACKGROUND: In Malaysia, urban working women have low rates of breastfeeding and struggle to achieve the recommended 6 months exclusive breastfeeding. DESIGN: A qualitative enquiry based on a phenomenological framework and multiple methods were used to explore women's experiences in depth. METHODS: Multiple qualitative methods using face-to-face interview and participant diary were used. Data collection took place in urban suburbs around Penang and Klang Valley, Malaysia from March-September 2011. Participants were 40 employed women wit..