Employed mothers in Kenya are not able to exclusively breastfeed their new born babies for the required 6 months period.
According to a study carried out by several researchers among them Prof. Ruth Nduati from the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, the mothers stop exclusive breastfeeding in preparation for their return to work.
The study titled: Influences of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Low-wage, Working Mothers in Kenya: Perspectives from Managers, Healthcare Providers, Daycare Directors, Mothers, and Fathers (OR30-02-19) was carried out in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
According to the findings of the study, husbands of women who are employed fully support exclusive breastfeeding and would like to see its period prolonged.
Breastfeeding mothers are given flexible work schedules and duties by their managers while a small number of farms or hotels have places designated for lactating mothers.
It was also noted that most breastfeeding mothers prefer to arrive later or leave early rather than visit children to feed during the workday.
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