Abstract:
Over the past decade breastfeeding promotion, with a strong bias for exclusive
breastfeeding for the first six months of life, is accounting for a gradual reversal in the
decline of breastfeeding noticed in African countries in the late 1970's. Although there
has been some increase in the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana, this rate falls
significantly after the. first two months, as complementary feeding before the sixth month
is common. Despite the decline in the rate of exclusive breastfeeding after the second
month, some mothers sustain the practice up to the sixth month.
A qualitative design was employed to investigate what has facilitated the practice of
exclusive breastfeeding for four to six months among professionals. Ten professionals
were purposefully sampled. In-depth audiotaped interviews were conducted in English.
The results indicated that commitment was a strong enabling factor of exclusive
breastfeeding practice, with education playing a key role. Commitment did not work in
isolation. Direct facilitators like the availability of time, support and engagement in
exclusive breastfeeding-related activities enhanced the role of commitment. Although
some barriers that were potentially deterrent to the practice of exclusive breastfeeding
were reported, the combined effect of commitment and direct facilitators enabled the
practice for four to six months.
Among strategies that could be used to increase and sustain the adoption of exclusive
breastfeeding is the strengthening of the educational component of the breastfeeding,
promotion programme that contributes to a better understanding of the completeness of
breastmilk as both food and drink for the infant. Other strategies include drawing on the
experiences of women who have successfully exclusively breastfed, the establishment of
self-help breastfeeding support groups and training health professionals in lactation
management.
