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

This article examines the experiences of employed Omani mothers practicing exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) within the context of workplace environments and sociocultural norms. Using a descriptive phenomenological approach and Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, the study identifies key facilitators such as intrinsic motivation grounded in faith, family support, and workplace flexibility, alongside barriers including limited lactation facilities, lack of professional breastfeeding support, and societal stigmas around breastfeeding at work. The findings highlight the need for breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies and culturally sensitive, multidisciplinary interventions involving occupational health professionals to support working mothers in sustaining EBF. This research offers a socioecological framework tailored to the Arab Gulf context, emphasizing coordinated efforts across individual, organizational, and societal levels to improve breastfeeding outcomes among working women.