The rate of exclusive breastfeeding of Vietnamese infants is relatively high for the first 2 months of life (54%, 1997 DHS), but drops precipitously thereafter. This study examines why mothers fail to exclusively breastfeed after about 2 months of age, identifies options for improving breastfeeding behaviors, and reports on efforts to negotiate breastfeeding behavior change. We conducted semi-structured interviews among 120 randomly selected mothers of infants <6m during periods of low and high maternal labor demand. We also interviewed 120 husbands and mothers-in-law. Based on results, we identified options for improving breastfeeding practices and used focus groups (2 each with mothers, husbands and grandparents) to negotiate infant feeding behavior change. Return to work outside the home was a significant predictor: 5% of mothers of infants <6m who worked outside the home exclusively breastfed compared to 58% of mothers who did not work outside the home (p<.001). Further, mothers believed that their own poor diets affected the quality and quantity of breastmilk and that breastmilk alone was not enough for their infants. When given options for improving breastfeeding, most mothers were unable to remain at home for more than 2 months, to take infants with them to the fields or to have them wetnursed. However, they were fully committed to expressing and storing breastmilk that husbands and grandparents could give while mothers were away. Families also agreed that they could do more to meet mothers' nutritional needs. This negotiated behavior change approach is being incorporated into breastfeeding promotion efforts in Vietnam.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Articulate how women's work outside the home as well as perceptions of their own nutrition affect breastfeeding practices in northern Vietnam. 2. Describe an innovative approach to negotiating improved breastfeeding practices among new mothers who work outside the home.
Keywords: Breastfeeding, Workforce
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: N/A
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.