Table 4.
Mothers’ reasons for considering non-exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months and planned breastmilk supplements
| Reasons for considering non-excusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months (n = 64)* | First choice | Second choice** |
|---|---|---|
| n (%) | n (%) | |
| I think my breastmilk is unlikely to be enough and my child will be hungry | 39 (60.9) | 5 (50.0) |
| I have to restart work and cannot continue exclusive breastfeeding | 11 (17.2) | 2 (20.0) |
| I think my breastmilk does not provide all the necessary vitamins & supplements | 5 (7.8) | 3 (30.0) |
| Othera | 9 (14.1) | NA |
| Planned breastmilk supplements (n = 67)* | ||
| Formula milk | 62 (91.1) | 4 (20.0) |
| Water | 4 (5.9) | 5 (25.0) |
| Vitamins & supplements | 0 | 1 (5.0) |
| Herbal tea | 0 | 0 |
| Solids | 1 (1.5) | 10 (50.0) |
*Only answered by mothers who indicated that they did not intend to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months; not all mothers answered all questions
**This does not add up to n, since many mothers did not indicate a second choice
aI have not had milk since giving birth