ASSESSING BARRIERS TO SUCCESSFUL BREASTFEEDING AMONG FEMALE POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL TRAINEES: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUPPORTING WORK-LIFE BALANCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37762/jgmds.12-4.701Keywords:
Breastfeeding, Maternity Leave, Lactation Facilities, Barriers, WorkplaceAbstract
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to explore the barriers to successful breastfeeding among female postgraduate medical trainees in Peshawar, Pakistan.
METHODOLOGY
A web-based descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Northwest General Hospital and Research Center, Peshawar, Pakistan, from Oct 2023 to Dec 2023. The inclusion criteria were: A married female with an age ranging from 26 to 40 years, a postgraduate medical resident registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) between 2012 and 2022, and a female who has completed their training or is a current resident in all specialties. Those women who are married but have not given birth to a baby yet were excluded from the study. The questionnaire was distributed online to postgraduate medical trainees. This questionnaire included demographics, questions about breastfeeding practices, work hours, and access to pumping spaces. The data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 25.
RESULTS
The 109 residents (mean age 30.25 years), predominantly specializing in obstetrics/gynecology (50.5%). Maternity leave patterns varied significantly, with 22.9% not utilizing it. Reports of guilt and discomfort were noted towards co-residents (27.5%) and faculty (20.2%). Despite high breastfeeding intentions, barriers like lactation room unavailability (78.9%) and complications (e.g., diminished milk supply, 42.2%) were observed. Challenges in pumping, influenced by procedural factors, clinic visits, and operating theater duties, led to premature breastfeeding cessation (70.6%). Despite challenges, 67.9% did not regret their breastfeeding decisions.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the survey highlights the diverse maternity leave patterns, interpersonal dynamics, and challenges faced by female postgraduate medical residents in breastfeeding. While intentions to breastfeed are high, significant infrastructure challenges and professional pressures contribute to premature cessation. The study underscores the need for supportive workplace environments, improved lactation facilities, and targeted interventions to enhance the overall breastfeeding experiences of female medical residents during their training.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Fazilat Jamala, Sidra Jabbar Khan, Saima Ayub , Dur e Nayab Tahir , Almas Fasih, Bushra Haider; Khushbakht Hussam
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