Table 1.

Semi-structured interview guide

Interview Questions
Prior to birth
1. What did you think were the options for feeding your baby, prior to giving birth? What did you know and understand about each option? How did you decide which option was right for you and your baby? Who helped you in making that decision?  2. How did you feel about breastfeeding prior to giving birth? Why did you feel this way?  3. Did you know anyone among your family or friends who has breastfed before?
After the birth
1. After the birth, how and what did you feel about feeding your infant (in the hospital, at home, in the community)? How did these experiences affect your decisions around feeding your baby?  2. What challenges did you experience with breastfeeding? Were you able to overcome these difficulties or did they stop you breastfeeding your child? If so, how?  3. What positive factors do you think helped you to breastfeed?  4. Were your family and friends supportive of breastfeeding? How did they support (or not support) you?  5. When did you give your child infant formula or other liquids (such as water or juice)? Was this in addition to breastmilk? Why did you give your child infant formula or other liquids at that time?  6. When did you give your child semi-solid and solid foods? Was that in addition to breastmilk? Why did you give your child solid foods at that time?
Now
1. How do you feel about breastfeeding now? Why?  2. Are you aware of the term exclusive breastfeeding?  3. What do you think are the benefits to mothers and to children from exclusive breastfeeding or any breastfeeding? How long do you think mothers should breastfeed for?  4. What do you believe could help young mothers to exclusively breastfeed?  5. Do you have any other thoughts or experiences you would like to share?