Evaluation of Workplace Breastfeeding Support for Female Staff in a Nigerian University

Abstract

Return to work after maternity leave competes with child rearing practices like breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to examine breastfeeding support for working mothers in university of Jos, Nigeria. A descriptive design was adopted in studying ninety women who voluntarily participated in the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Findings indicated that 51% of the women can adjust their working hours to accommodate the need to breastfeed, 42% were allowed to take long enough or frequent breaks lactation breaks, 28% breastfed during work while 80% breastfeed before and after work only. It was concluded that support for breastfeeding at work was poor. Therefore, management of the university should urgently ensure enforcement of policies that will promote and sustain breastfeeding at the workplace.