Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the continuation of exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers in Alhasa, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 287 working mothers attending primary healthcare centers and institutions in Alhasa. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, workplace support, perceived barriers, and EBF practices.
Results: The study included 287 working mothers. More than half of the participants (54.7%) were engaged in shift-based jobs. The majority (78.4%) of participants were aged between 18 and 35 years, nearly half of the women (46.3%) had two to three children, and more than half (70.4%) held university degrees. While 88.8% of mothers practiced EBF during maternity leave, only 41.1% continued EBF after returning to work. Key barriers included perceived insufficient milk supply (24.7%), early return to work (14.6%), time constraints (10.1%), and psychological pressure (8.0%). Only 24.0% reported access to milk storage facilities at work, and 14.3% had flexible schedules for EBF breaks. Logistic regression revealed that job type was the only significant predictor of EBF continuation (p-value = 0.047), while prior EBF experience and age approached significance.
Conclusion: The continuation of EBF among working mothers in Alhasa was hindered by structural, psycho social, and workplace-related barriers. Enhanced maternity leave policies, workplace accommodations, and targeted breastfeeding support programs are essential to promote sustained EBF among employed women.

Key words: Exclusive breastfeeding, working mothers, workplace support, Saudi Arabia, maternal health, breastfeeding barriers, lactation policy