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Table 4 Perceived barriers and facilitators for exclusive breastfeeding

From: Uncovering the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding for mothers living in Dhaka’s slums: a mixed method study

Barriers

Facilitators

Internal

External

Internal

External

Insufficient breast milk (thinks due to inadequate diet of mother, medicine after surgery, infrequent feeding)

Mother left for work

Thinks baby should drink water as it feels thirsty

Thinks complementary food should start after 4 months

Grandmother did not allow breastfeeding

Doctor prescribed formula

Bottle feeding

Maternity leave < 6 months

No crèche at the workplace

Workload does not permit to breastfeed at workplace

Mother knew that child should be given only breastmilk up to 6 months

Knew that other food is harmful for child health

Sufficient breastmilk

-Thinks breastmilk is best for baby

Doctor suggest that baby should not be given anything else before 6 months

Breast milk is free of cost

Grandmother/family member helps in household work

Husband support breastfeeding

-bottle feeding is hazardous in terms of preparation