The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life as the optimal way of feeding infants. Breastfeeding rates vary widely by geographic region, sociocultural, economic and health system factors. In urban settings such as Vientiane Capital, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, mothers face several barriers that make exclusive breastfeeding challenging. We did a qualitative study to explore these factors and understand the views of mothers, families and health workers on exclusive breastfeeding. A qualitative study was conducted in Vientiane Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, involving 23 mothers and 21 fathers in focus group discussions, along with in-depth interviews with 4 healthcare workers, 4 Lao Women’s Union members, 4 village health community members, and 4 elders/grandmothers. Data were transcribed, translated, coded, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Participants identified multiple barriers to breastfeeding, including mode of delivery, perceived convenience of formula feeding, maternal health concerns, employment-related challenges, and insufficient milk supply. Limited and inconsistent communication from healthcare providers further contributed to these challenges. Participants also discussed potential interventions to better support breastfeeding practices. Most participants valued breastfeeding, and most mothers expressed a strong intention to breastfeed exclusively. Strengthening supportive policies, improving breastfeeding education, and fostering breastfeeding-friendly environments may substantially improve exclusive breastfeeding practices, thereby promoting the health and well-being of both mothers and infants.
Sonephet et al. (2026) studied this question.