Experience of working women in Kisangani (DRC) on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding

Introduction: The aim of the study was to demonstrate working mothers' experience of exclusive breastfeeding, to identify what these working mothers expect from exclusive breastfeeding, to assess the satisfaction they derive from exclusive breastfeeding, to determine their representation of exclusive breastfeeding and to analyze their attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding.

Methodology: We used a qualitative and phenomenological approach, based on free direct interviews. It involved 5 working women found in pre-school consultations at the Saint Joseph Reference Health Centre from August 1st to September 12, 2023.

Results: Respondents were aware of exclusive breastfeeding from a variety of sources. Almost all the respondents had practiced exclusive breastfeeding in spite of their daily occupations. They expected their children to be healthy and protected from illness. They had experienced satisfaction in practicing exclusive breastfeeding in spite of their daily occupations, but they were not so satisfied with the fact that in their workplaces there was no suitable space for practicing exclusive breastfeeding. The respondents were relatively convinced that breast milk provided good health for their children and was an ideal and natural means of contraception.

Conclusion: The combination of work and exclusive breastfeeding is a serious problem for working women. Daily occupation could be a handicap for promoting exclusive breastfeeding.