Tema, March 2, – An increasing number of corporate mothers in Ghana say demanding work schedules, short maternity leave periods and the absence of workplace support systems are hindering their ability to practise exclusive breastfeeding.
Their concerns echo guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to strengthen immunity, reduce infections and promote healthy growth and development.
Under Ghana’s Labour Act, women are entitled to a minimum of 12 weeks maternity leave. Although some institutions grant additional time, many women in the corporate sector resume work when their babies are about three months old.
Some mothers lamented the lack of designated lactation rooms forces them to express breast milk in parked vehicles or borrowed offices. Others cited tight schedules, frequent meetings and heavy workloads as factors limiting opportunities to pump regularly, thereby affecting milk production.
Ms Abigail Lamley Narh, a teacher, said returning to work made it difficult to sustain exclusive breastfeeding.
“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,” she said.
Health experts caution that irregular breastfeeding or early reliance on formula feeding may increase infants’ susceptibility to infections, particularly within the first year.
The WHO notes that breast milk provides all essential nutrients required during the first six months and protects babies against diarrhoea and respiratory infections such as pneumonia. It also highlights potential long-term benefits, including a reduced risk of overweight and obesity. Exclusive breastfeeding means feeding infants only breast milk, without water or other foods, except prescribed supplements or medicines.
The organisation further recommends the introduction of complementary foods after six months while continuing breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond.
A 2025 study by the Ghana Statistical Service indicates that exclusive breastfeeding rates are improving in some parts of the country but remain uneven across districts. The research suggests that mothers in larger households are more likely to practise exclusive breastfeeding due to family support.
The report identified Volta, Northern, Savannah and Oti Regions as relatively strong performers, while Western North and Greater Accra recorded comparatively lower rates.
Despite widespread awareness of the health benefits, many working mothers say the pressures of corporate life leave them with limited options, often forcing them to compromise on recommended breastfeeding practices.
GHBUSS
02 March 2026
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