Occupational Health Perspectives on Motherhood and Work: A Phenomenological Study in Oman.

Abstract

Background: Working women in the Arab Gulf states face unique challenges to practicing exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), shaped by workplace environments and sociocultural norms. This study explored the lived experiences of employed Omani mothers, focusing on how workplace facilities and cultural factors influence EBF practices.

Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to examine the breastfeeding experiences of 15 employed Omani women. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory was applied to interpret findings and develop a culturally relevant framework.

Findings: Key themes included balancing breastfeeding and work demands, workplace support systems, and motivators/barriers to sustain EBF. Intrinsic motivation grounded in faith, workplace flexibility, and family support emerged as facilitators. Participants highlighted barriers such as limited lactation facilities, lack of professional support, and societal stigmas around breastfeeding at work.

Conclusion: Workplace facilities and employer support remain bottlenecks to achieving EBF among working Arab mothers. Addressing these gaps requires breastfeeding-friendly policies and culturally informed interventions within occupational health frameworks. By adapting ecological systems theory, this study offers a structured approach to designing interventions that address individual, organizational, and societal barriers, empowering working mothers to achieve their breastfeeding goals.