Overcoming challenges in Breast-feeding Support: Insights from midwives in a General Hospital setting

ABSTRACT
Background: As the primary carers in a general hospital, midwives play a crucial role in
breastfeeding support. However, difficulties in providing effective support and confronting
cultural beliefs can hinder breastfeeding practices. Understanding midwifes' perspective on effective
breastfeeding support is crucial for the development of targeted interventions and the improvement of
breastfeeding support services.
Aim and Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the various challenges faced by
midwives in providing breastfeeding support within a typical hospital setting.
Method: In-depth interviews with midwives to gather valuable insights and experiences were
employed. The data collected were analyzed using thematic analysis as a methodological approach to
discern emerging themes and patterns with the help of ATLAS.ti software.
Results: The findings revealed two primary obstacles midwives encounter. First, insufficient
personnel and time constraints which impeded their capacity to provide comprehensive support and
education to the large number of women seeking assistance. Secondly, cultural beliefs about
lactation posed additional obstacles. Misconceptions regarding the sufficiency of breast milk,
concerns regarding breast appearance, and the importance of colostrum influenced mothers' ability
to exclusively breastfeed. Cultural practices including the premature introduction of
complementary foods and the discarding of colostrum impeded the promotion of exclusive

breastfeeding.
Conclusion: The study showed that staffing and time constraints had a negative effect on provision
of breastfeeding support by midwives while cultural norms prevented exclusive breastfeeding.
Addressing these challenges by stakeholders' through increased healthcare funding and staffing of
health facilities is necessary to ensure effective breastfeeding support, educating the community on
the importance of colostrum andbreast appearance to eliminate cultural myths, ultimately leading
to a successful breastfeeding.
KEYWORDS: Breastfeeding support, midwives, hospitals, challenges, cultural views,
exclusive breastfeeding