Table 2.

Breastfeeding challenges reported by participants (n = 240)

	Total (n = 240) M (SD)	EBF (n = 160) M (SD)	Non-EBF (n = 80) M (SD)	EBF Median (IQR)	Non-EBF Median (IQR)	P - value
Worry about breastmilk alone not meeting the nutritional needs of baby	3.43 (1.35)	3.40 (1.32)	3.50 (1.41)	4 (2–4)	4 (2–5)	0.443
Short Maternity Leave Period	3.41 (1.29)	3.44 (1.29)	3.35 (1.30)	3 (3–5)	3 (3–5)	0.744
Sociocultural pressure to introduce water and artificial feeds	3.39 (1.28)	3.34 (1.31)	3.50 (1.23)	4 (2–4)	4 (2–5)	0.367
Difficulty combining work and breastfeeding	3.18 (1.30)	3.42 (1.34)	2.68 (1.07)	4 (2–5)	3 (2–3)	0.000
Emotional stress	3.10 (1.19)	3.28 (1.13)	2.75 (1.23)	3 (2–4)	3 (2–4)	0.001
Lack of support from family, friends and society	2.74 (1.35)	2.86 (1.40)	2.50 (1.23)	2 (2–4)	2 (2–4)	0.060
Lack of support from healthcare professionals	2.66 (1.21)	2.76 (1.22)	2.45 (1.17)	3 (2–4)	2 (2–3)	0.040
Low breastmilk production	2.63 (1.21)	2.56 (1.16)	2.78 (1.28)	2 (2–3)	2 (2–4)	0.263
Cracked or sore nipples	2.55 (1.24)	2.49 (1.17)	2.68 (1.36)	2 (2–4)	2 (1.25–4)	0.390
Breast engorgement	2.55 (1.24)	2.49 (1.17)	2.68 (1.36)	2 (2–4)	2 (1.25–4)	0.390
Shyness when breastfeeding in public	2.05 (1.23)	2.08 (1.27)	2.00 (1.15)	2 (1–2)	2 (1–2)	0.781

Mann Whitney’s U test was used to examine differences in the challenges experiences by the mothers who practised EBF and those who used mixed/formula feeding, as well as their statistical significance

M Mean, SD Standard Deviation, IQR Interquartile Range