Skip to main content
Key Specialties
Cardiology Diabetology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Geriatrics and Gerontology Gynecology and Obstetrics Hematology Infectious Disease Internal Medicine Nephrology Neurology Oncology Pediatrics Respiratory Medicine Rheumatology Surgery
Congress Coverage
2024 ACC Congress 2023 ESMO Congress 2023 EASD Congress 2023 ERS Congress 2023 ESC Congress
Clinical Collections
Advances in Alzheimer’s

At a glance: The STEP trials

A round-up of the STEP phase 3 clinical trials evaluating semaglutide for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.
ADVANCED SEARCH
Log in
Top
International Breastfeeding Journal
Published in: International Breastfeeding Journal 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

Childcare workers’ experiences of supporting exclusive breastfeeding in Kuala Muda District, Malaysia: a qualitative study

Authors: Mohd Azri Mohd Suan, Azrina Ayob, Maheran Rodzali

Published in: International Breastfeeding Journal | Issue 1/2016

Login to get access

Abstract

Background

The role of childcare workers at registered nurseries in supporting exclusive breastfeeding practice is important, as many newborn babies are placed in nurseries during working hours. To increase exclusive breastfeeding rates among working mothers, understanding childcare workers’ experiences and needs relating to supporting these mothers is crucial. This study aimed to explore childcare workers’ experiences of supporting breastfeeding at registered nurseries.

Methods

We used a qualitative design to conduct in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten childcare workers at seven registered nursery centres in Kuala Muda District, Malaysia. Attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding practice, experiences of breastfeeding training and information, and experiences supporting exclusive breastfeeding at the nursery were explored. Participants were asked to suggest improvements for exclusive breastfeeding practice at their nursery. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated before analysis.

Results

All participants demonstrated a positive attitude in supporting and promoting exclusive breastfeeding practice, mainly centred on the advantages of breastfeeding. Various supports have been found such as labelling bottled breastmilk, allowing the mother to come to the nursery during breaks, and providing reading materials. However, several issues emerged that include parents’ choice on infant feeding practice, insufficient content on breastfeeding topics during training, and adherence to the (not recommended) practice of bottle feeding expressed breastmilk. Recommendations to enhance breastfeeding were also suggested by participants.

Conclusion

Childcare workers may serve as another potential resource for sustaining exclusive breastfeeding at registered nurseries.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
2.
3.
Ladomenou F, Moschandreas J, Kafatos A, Tselentis Y, Galanakis E. Protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding against infections during infancy: a prospective study. Arch Dis Child. 2010. doi:10.​1136/​adc.​2009.​169912.PubMed
4.
Quigley MA, Kelly YJ, Sacker A. Breastfeeding and hospitalization for diarrheal and respiratory infection in the United Kingdom Millennium Cohort Study. Pediatrics. 2007. doi:10.​1542/​peds.​2006-2256.PubMed
5.
6.
Black RE, Victora CG, Walker SP, Bhutta ZA, Christian P, de Onis M, et al. Maternal and child undernutrition and overweight in low-income and middle-income countries. Lancet. 2013. doi:10.​1016/​S0140-6736(13)60937-X.
7.
8.
Fatimah S, Siti Saadiah HN, Tahir A, Hussain Imam MI, Ahmad Faudzi Y. Breastfeeding in Malaysia: results of the third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) 2006. Malays J Nutr. 2010;16(2):195–206.PubMed
9.
10.
Chen YC, Wu YC, Chie WC. Effects of work-related factors on the breastfeeding behavior of working mothers in a Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health. 2006. doi:10.​1186/​1471-2458-6-160.
11.
12.
Brown CR, Dodds L, Legge A, Bryanton J, Semenic S. Factors influencing the reasons why mothers stop breastfeeding. Can J Public Health. 2014;105(3):e179–85.CrossRefPubMed
13.
14.
Ong G, Yap M, Li FL, Choo TB. Impact of working status on breastfeeding in Singapore: evidence from the National Breastfeeding Survey 2001. Eur J Public Health. 2005. doi:10.​1093/​eurpub/​cki030.PubMed
15.
16.
Torres JM. Breast milk and labour support: lactation consultants’ and doulas’ strategies for navigating the medical context of maternity care. Sociol Health Illn. 2013. doi:10.​1111/​1467-9566.​12010.PubMed
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Witters-Green R. Increasing breastfeeding rates in working mothers. Fam Syst Health. 2003;21:415–34.CrossRef
22.
Flax VL, Negerie M, Ibrahim AU, Leatherman S, Daza EJ, Bentley ME. Integrating group counseling, cell phone messaging, and participant-generated songs and dramas into a microcredit program increases Nigerian women’s adherence to international breastfeeding recommendations. J Nutr. 2014. doi:10.​3945/​jn.​113.​190124.PubMedPubMedCentral
23.
Ortiz J, McGilligan K, Kelly P. Duration of breast milk expression among working mothers enrolled in an employer-sponsored lactation program. Pediatr Nurs. 2004;30(2):111–9.PubMed
24.
Mills SP. Workplace lactation programs: a critical element for breastfeeding mothers’ success. AAOHN J. 2009;57(6):227–31.PubMed
25.
Cameron B, Javanparast S, Labbok M, Scheckter R, McIntyre E. Breastfeeding support in child care: an international comparison of findings from Australia and the United States. Breastfeed Med. 2012;7(3):163–6. doi:10.​1089/​bfm.​2011.​0032.CrossRefPubMed
26.
Javanparast S, Newman L, Sweet L, McIntyre E. Analysis of breastfeeding policies and practices in childcare centres in Adelaide, South Australia. Matern Child Health J. 2012. doi:10.​1007/​s10995-011-0887-5.PubMed
27.
28.
Lucas A, McMahon PM, Asling MB, Knobloch A, Kosh E, Sims K. Assessing child care providers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding support of breastfeeding in a region with low breastfeeding prevalence. J Hum Lact. 2013. doi:10.​1177/​0890334413497259​.
29.
30.
Clark A, Anderson J, Adams E, Baker S. Assessing the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and training needs related to infant feeding, specifically breastfeeding, of child care providers. Matern Child Health J. 2008. doi:10.​1007/​s10995-007-0221-4.
31.
Shealy KRLR, Benton-Davis S, Grummer-Strawn LM. The CDC Guide to Breastfeeding Interventions. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2005.
32.
33.
Metadata
Title
Childcare workers’ experiences of supporting exclusive breastfeeding in Kuala Muda District, Malaysia: a qualitative study
Authors
Mohd Azri Mohd Suan
Azrina Ayob
Maheran Rodzali
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Breastfeeding Journal / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1746-4358
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-016-0095-4

Other articles of this Issue 1/2016

International Breastfeeding Journal 1/2016 Go to the issue

Research

Breastfeeding the late preterm infant: experiences of mothers and perceptions of public health nurses

Research

Exclusive breastfeeding and associated factors among mothers in Gozamin district, northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study

Research

Mothers’ experiences of a telephone based breastfeeding support intervention after discharge from neonatal intensive care units: a mixed-method study

Research

Exclusive breastfeeding status of children aged between 6 and 24 months in the nomadic population of Hadaleala district, Afar Region, northeast Ethiopia

Research

Qualitative exploration of psychological reactions and coping strategies of breastfeeding mothers living with HIV in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Research

Sociocultural factors influencing breastfeeding practices in two slums in Nairobi, Kenya