Study of administrative obstacles of breastfeeding in infants born from employed mothers in schools and Hygienoremedial centers of Urmia city, 2004

Breast milk is the most complete food for infants during the first six months of their life. Unfortunately, in the recent decades, they are deprived from this Divine affluence, for different reasons. Whereas the studies are insisted in advantages of breast milk and correct breast feeding methods.

Among theses, supporting of breast feeders specially employed mothers must be taken in consideration, in order to secure their convenience and mental tranquillity in work fields, so that mothers' occupation, despite their interest and awareness, doesn't lead to breast feeding cut off during the important first six months period.

Method & Materials: This is a descripto/cross sectiono/Retrospective study carried out between two groups of mothers including school teachers and employees working in Urmia hygienoremedial centers. We used simple random sampling method and a questionnaire for sampling and data gathering.

Results: the administrative obstacles mentioned in this study included postpartum leave, longness of working hours, lack of managers cooperation and breastfeeding time, lack of keeping the infants in workshops, undesired economical condition, etc.

Discussion: Increasing the postpartum leave up to at least six months, and securing workshops possibilities along with necessary education of employees and managers, and drawing their attention to the breastfeeding importance are among the instances that can be done in order to supporting of employed breast feeders for their successful feeding.

Meanwhile by conducting necessary education in the field of correct breastfeeding methods and creating interest in mothers we can continue this process. We hope that doing these kinds of supports lead to increasing breastfeeding among female employees of institutes and offices of the country.