Table 4.

Perceived barriers and facilitators for exclusive breastfeeding

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