Barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in the Ayeyarwaddy Region in Myanmar: Qualitative findings from mothers, grandmothers, and husbands

• Published in: Appetite 2016-01, Vol.96, p.62-69
• Main Authors: Thet, May Me, Khaing, Ei Ei, Diamond-Smith, Nadia, Sudhinaraset, May, Oo, Sandar, Aung, Tin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Breast Feeding - psychology; Child feeding; Decision Making; Exclusive breastfeeding; Female; Grandparents - psychology; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Mothers - psychology; Myanmar; Qualitative Research; Rural Population; Spouses - psychology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Urban Population; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0195-6663; 1095-8304
• DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2015.08.044

Myanmar has low rates of exclusive breastfeeding despite many decades of efforts to increase this practice. The purpose of this study is to examine the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding and how different household members participate in decision-making. We conducted semi-structured interviews with mothers with an infant 6–12 months (24), and a subset of their husbands (10) and their mothers/mothers-in-laws (grandmothers) (10) in rural and urban areas of Laputta, Myanmar. Respondents had high levels of knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding, but low adherence. One of the primary barriers to exclusive breastfeeding was that mothers, husbands, and grandmothers believed that exclusive breastfeeding was not sufficient for babies and solid foods and water were necessary. Water and mashed up rice were commonly introduced before 6 months of age. Mothers also faced barriers to exclusive breastfeeding due to the need to return to work outside the home and health related problems. Other family members provide support for mothers in their breastfeeding, however, most respondents stated that decisions about breastfeeding and child feeding were made by the mother herself. Mothers in this part of Myanmar know about exclusive breastfeeding, but need more knowledge about its importance and benefits to encourage them to practice it. More information for other family members could improve adherence to exclusive breastfeeding, as family members often provide food to children and support to breastfeeding mothers. Support for mothers to be able to continue breastfeeding once they return to work and in the face of health problems is also important. Finally, additional information about the types of foods that infants need once they cease breastfeeding could improve infant and child health. •Women in Myanmar have high levels of knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding.•However, water and mashed up rice are often introduced before 6 months.•Other family members play a role in child feeding and provide advice and support to women.•Women face barriers to exclusive breastfeeding related to formal work and their health.