Corporate work conditions undermine exclusive breastfeeding

By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah, GNA   

Tema, March 02, GNA – An increasing number of corporate mothers in Ghana say rigid work schedules, limited maternity leave and inadequate workplace facilities are making it difficult to practice exclusive breastfeeding.  

Their complaint comes against the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) advice that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months to enhance immunity, reduce infections, and support healthy growth and development.  

Under Ghana’s Labour Act, women are entitled to at least 12 weeks of maternity leave. While some organisations extend this period, many corporate employees return to work when their babies are barely three months old.  

Several mothers interviewed reported having to breast milk in parked cars or borrowed offices due to the absence of designated lactation rooms. Others said heavy workloads and back-to-back meetings limited the frequency of pumping, which affected their milk production.  

Ms Abigail Lamley Narh, a teacher, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that, “I wanted to do the full six months, but once I resumed work, it became almost impossible to maintain my milk supply  

“Meetings, deadlines, and the lack of a private space to express milk made it stressful.”  

Health professionals warn that inconsistent breastfeeding or early introduction of formula might increase infants’ vulnerability to infections, particularly in the first year of life.   

The WHO indicates that breastfeeding offers substantial health benefits for both mother and child as it provides all essential nutrients required during the first six months of life and protects infants against diarrhoea and common illnesses such as pneumonia.   

It added that exclusive breastfeeding might also reduce the long-term risk of overweight and obesity and noted that exclusive breastfeeding entails giving only breast milk, without water or other foods, except prescribed supplements or medicines.  

The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, followed by complementary feeding alongside continued breastfeeding for two years or beyond.  

Research by the Ghana Statistical Service on exclusive breastfeeding in 2025, revealed that mothers in bigger households are more likely to exclusively breastfeed their babies because they usually receive familial support for exclusive breastfeeding.  

The report indicated that evidence shows that exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana is improving in some regions but remains uneven across districts.   

It added that regions including Volta, Northern, Savannah, and Oti regions stand out as strong performers, while Western North and Greater Accra consistently record the lowest rates.   

Although many mothers understand the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, the reality of returning to work creates pressure and irrespective of the fact that some feel guilty; others feel they have no choice.  

GNA  

Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Benjamin Mensah