Abstract

Breastfeeding is critical for infant health, yet working mothers face significant workplace barriers. This cross-sectional study investigated breastfeeding barriers among 152 working mothers in private sector organizations in Dhaka city, Bangladesh (May–August 2022). Data were collected via a validated semi-structured questionnaire from purposively selected participants across 18 areas of Dhaka. Binary logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Prevalence of EBF was 52.6% and early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour was 61.2%. Most organizations lacked breastfeeding support: 67.8% had no written breastfeeding policy, 95.4% had no crèche, 82.2% had no breast milk storage, and 65.8% offered no nursing breaks. Only 29.6% of mothers received maternity leave of ≥ 6 months. In multivariable logistic regression, maternity leave of ≥ 6 months was the only independent predictor of EBF (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.10–5.33, p = 0.028). Structural workplace barriers, particularly inadequate maternity leave, are the primary determinants of exclusive breastfeeding among private sector working mothers. Urgent policy reform extending maternity leave to at least six months, alongside provision of nursing breaks, private lactation spaces, breast milk storage, and crèche facilities, is recommended.

Key words: Exclusive breastfeeding; Workplace breastfeeding support; Maternity leave; Working mothers; Workplace barriers; Lactation support; Maternal employment