Table 3 Infant feeding themes and sub-themes

3.1.1 Knowledge and practices about the recommended breastfeeding and breastfeeding duration

3.1.2 Exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practices

3.1.3Breastfeeding and mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT)

3.1.3.1 Fear of infecting the baby

3.1.3.2 Effectiveness of ARVs to prevent HIV transmission through breastfeeding

3.1.3.3 Challenges with ART adherence

3.1.3.4 Poor viral load monitoring

3.1.3.5 HIV status disclosure

3.1.4 Perceived quality of counselling

3.1.4.1 Health care worker counselling

3.1.4.2 Accuracy of infant feeding messages

3.1.5 Lack of infant feeding / breastfeeding support

3.1.5.1 Support by health care workers

3.1.5.2 The role of male partners

3.1.6 Other breastfeeding- related challenges impacting on HIV transmission through breastfeeding

3.1.6.1 Unknown partner HIV status

3.1.6.2 Inconsistent or non-condom use

3.1.6.3 Poor HIV risk perception

3.1.7 Other factors contributing to inappropriate infant feeding practices

3.1.7.1 Perceived insufficient milk and infant cues

3.1.7.2 Schooling and Employment

3.1.7.3 Family pressures

3.1.7.4 Maternal attitudes to breastfeeding

3.1.8 Coping strategies for mothers