Exploration of breastfeeding promotion and practices in Bhutan

Lack of breastfeeding information and support from health professionals during pregnancy and following birth led to Bhutanese women having limited understanding of the true meaning of exclusive breastfeeding. Furthermore, they adopted cultural and traditional practices in the belief that such practices would not impede the exclusivity of breastfeeding. All the health professionals reported staff shortages and heavy workloads, in particular, midwives, reported a lack of ongoing professional development as factors that prevented them from providing breastfeeding information and support.