Breastfeeding intentions and behaviours of doctor mothers in Bloemfontein, South Africa

Abstract

Background. Doctor mothers are a high-risk group for early cessation of breastfeeding. Improving breastfeeding among doctor mothers would not only improve the wellbeing of their babies, but the experience might also enhance their advocacy for breastfeeding to patients.

Objective. To describe the infant feeding intentions and behaviours of doctor mothers in Bloemfontein, South Africa, focusing on breastfeeding and factors that impact the decision on feeding method.

Methods. This was a descriptive study. The target population included female medical doctors with a biological child under the age of 5 years, recruited via snowball sampling. Respondents completed an electronic questionnaire, answering questions regarding infant feeding intentions and behaviours.

Results. There were 104 respondents who provided information on 132 children. The median intended duration of exclusive breastfeeding for the first-born child was 6 months and 6.5 months for the second-born, but the actual median duration for both children was 3 months shorter. The intention to express breastmilk at work was 67.7% for Child 1 and 57.7% for Child 2; however, the actual outcome was less than half of the intention (32.0%). Most respondents (71.0%) indicated there was no dedicated area for expressing breastmilk at their place of work.

Conclusion. The intention to exclusively breastfeed was high (6 months), but the actual duration was 3 months shorter. The percentage of doctor mothers who eventually expressed breastmilk at work was less than half of those who intended to do so. Breastfeeding female doctors need more support in the postpartum period, especially when returning to work after maternity leave.