Exploring the Psychological Impact of Constraints to Exclusive Breastfeeding on Working Mothers in Lagos, Nigeria

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life is recommended by the World Health Organization to promote infant health and development. Despite high breastfeeding initiation rates, Nigeria’s EBF prevalence remains low, particularly among working breastfeeding mothers who face workplace-related challenges. This study examined EBF knowledge, workplace constraints, and their psychological impact among working breastfeeding mothers in Lagos, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) with 437 employed breastfeeding mothers aged 23–45 years. Data were collected using a 23-item interviewer-administered questionnaire including the mini-12-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-12). Descriptive statistics summarized socio-demographics, EBF knowledge, and workplace constraints. Chi-square test was used to examine associations between workplace constraints and psychological outcomes. Most participants (93.6%) correctly defined EBF, and 94.3% identified the recommended six-month duration for exclusive breastfeeding. Workplace barriers were identified, with 57.2% having only three months of maternity leave, 46.5% not able to breastfeed at work, and 41.2% lacking access to a nearby crèche. A significant association between inability to breastfeed at work and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress was found (p < 0.05). Crèche accessibility was also significantly associated with depression (p < 0.05), while maternity leave duration showed no significant association with psychological outcomes. Although knowledge of EBF was high, workplace barriers significantly affected mothers’ ability to sustain the practice of EBF and were linked to psychological distress. These findings underscore the urgent need for supportive policies, including extended maternity leave, breastfeeding facilities, and accessible childcare facilities to improve EBF rates and maternal mental health in Nigeria.