Breastfeeding Practices Among Mothers in Uganda: An Exploratory Study of Challenges and Support Systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52783/jns.v14.3021Keywords:
Breastfeeding practices, maternal health, infant nutrition, socio-cultural factors, workplace accommodationsAbstract
Breastfeeding is essential for baby nutrition, growth, and development, but it is affected by several socio-cultural, economic, and healthcare-related variables. It is a critical component of infant nutrition and maternal health, particularly in low-resource settings such as Uganda. This practices in Uganda, particularly exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), are critical for infant health and nutrition. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to ensure optimal growth and development. Despite this recommendation, the prevalence of EBF in Uganda shows significant variation based on several factors.
This exploratory research investigates breastfeeding patterns among women in Uganda, emphasising the problems encountered and the support networks accessible to them. Cross-sectional design and observational research in urban and rural settings reveal significant problems, including insufficient understanding of effective breastfeeding practices, social pressure and stigma, lack of employment accommodations, and inadequate healthcare assistance. Notwithstanding these challenges, many women depend on a combination of family assistance, community organisations, and maternal health services, but the availability and efficacy of these resources often differ. The article highlights the need for improved public health measures, legislation modifications for workplace breastfeeding provisions, and extensive training programs to address deficiencies in breastfeeding assistance.
The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that address both individual and systemic barriers to breastfeeding. It recommended an enhancing community-based education programs, improved healthcare infrastructure, implementing supportive workplace policies for nursing mothers, and fostering an environment that normalizes breastfeeding through public awareness campaigns. By strengthening these support systems, it is possible to improve breastfeeding rates and outcomes for both mothers and infants in Uganda.
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