DESCRIPTION OF TOPIC:
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding has been defined as the feeding of an infant in the first six months of life with breast milk only without giving any other foods, not even water (Jolly, 2008). Aim: To explore challenges encountered by professional working mothers while practicing exclusive breastfeeding in Brikama District Hospital. Methodology: A non-interventional descriptive cross-sectional study design was used in this study, and a convenience sampling technique was used to select the target population. A sample size of 42 mothers (13 from the postnatal and 29 from the infant clinic) was used. A questionnaire was used, and the results were analyzed using Excel. Results: The results show that professional working mothers encounter challenges that make it difficult to exclusively breastfeed their babies according to the WHO recommendation. Among the challenges encountered are not enough breast milk production, exclusive breastfeeding being stressful and time-consuming, cracked or sore nipples, return to work or school, wanting their breast to remain firm, and no room at the workplace to breastfeed during breaks or working hours. Professional working mothers were well knowledgeable about exclusive breastfeeding practice with its benefits, but their full-time employment status and family members’ influence undermined and impeded the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: The government must guarantee that workplaces are free of harassment and discrimination against women who prefer to breastfeed their babies through appropriate mechanisms.

RELEVANCE TO MIDWIFERY:
It is hoped that the findings of this study can contribute to designing appropriate and effective breastfeeding intervention programs aimed at improving infant and young children's feeding practices. It will also help inform mothers and the community at large on the effect the practice of exclusive breastfeeding will have on both mother and baby. Association strengthening 2 (including a three-minute presentation competition)