scholarly journals ‘I decided to go back to work so I can afford to buy her formula’: a longitudinal mixed-methods study to explore how women in informal work balance the competing demands of infant feeding and working to provide for their family

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silondile Luthuli ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Sphindile Mapumulo ◽  
Nigel Rollins ◽  
Christiane Horwood
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Antenatal Visit ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Informal Work ◽  
Informal Workers

Abstract Background In South Africa almost 2 million women work informally. Informal work is characterised by poor job security, low earnings, and unsafe working conditions, with high rates of poverty and food insecurity. The peripartum period is a vulnerable time for many working women. This study explored how mothers navigate the tension between the need to work and the need to take care of a newborn baby, and how this affects their feeding plans and practices. Methods A mixed methods longitudinal cohort method was employed. Informal workers were recruited in the last trimester of pregnancy during an antenatal visit at two clinics in Durban, South Africa. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and quantitative questionnaires at three time points: pre-delivery, post-delivery and after returning to work. Framework analysis was used to analyse qualitative data in NVIVO v12.4. Quantitative analysis used SPSSv26. Results Twenty-four participants were enrolled and followed-up for a period of up to 1 year. Informal occupations included domestic work, home-based work, informal trading, and hairdressing, and most women earned <R3000 (US$175) per month. Participants had good knowledge of the importance of breastfeeding for child health. Most women planned to take time off work after the birth of their babies, supporting themselves during this time with the child support grant (CSG) received for older children, their savings, and support from the baby’s father and other family members. However, financial pressures forced many mothers to return to work earlier than planned, resulting in changes to infant feeding practices. Several mothers tried expressing breastmilk, but only one was able to sustain this while away from the baby. Most participants introduced formula, other foods and fluids to their babies when they returned to work or stopped breastfeeding entirely, but some were able to change their work or adapt their working hours to accommodate breastfeeding. Conclusions Interventions are needed within the social and work environment to support mothers with breastfeeding while they continue earning an income in the informal economy. The extension of the CSG to the antenatal period could assist mothers to stay at home longer post-delivery to breastfeed their babies.

scholarly journals I decided to go back to work so I can afford to buy her formula’: a longitudinal mixed-methods study to explore how women in informal work balance the competing demands of infant feeding and working to provide for their family.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silondile Luthuli ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Sphindile Mapumulo ◽  
Nigel Rollins ◽  
Christiane Horwood
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Antenatal Visit ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Informal Work ◽  
Informal Workers

Abstract Background: In South Africa almost 2 million women work informally. Informal work is characterised by poor job security, low earnings, and unsafe working conditions, with high rates of poverty and food insecurity. The peripartum period is a vulnerable time for many working women. This study explored how mothers navigate the tension between the need to work and needing to take care of a newborn baby, and how this affects their feeding plans and practices. Methods: A mixed methods longitudinal cohort method was employed. Informal workers were recruited in the last trimester of pregnancy during an antenatal visit at two clinics in Durban, South Africa. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and quantitative questionnaires at three time points: pre-delivery, post-delivery and after returning to work. Framework analysis was used to analyse qualitative data in NVIVO v12.4. Quantitative analysis used SPSSv26. Results: Twenty-four participants were enrolled and followed-up for a period of up to one year. Informal occupations included domestic work, home-based work, informal trading, and hairdressing, and most women earned <R3000 (US$175) per month. Participants had good knowledge of the importance of breastfeeding for child health. Most women planned to take time off work after the birth of their babies, supporting themselves during this time with the child support grant (CSG) received for older children, their savings, and support from the baby’s father and other family members. However, financial pressures forced many mothers to return to work earlier than planned, resulting in changes to infant feeding practices. Several mothers tried expressing breastmilk, but only one was able to sustain this while away from the baby. Most participants introduced formula, other foods and fluids to their babies when they returned to work or stopped breastfeeding entirely, but some were able to change their work or adapt their working hours to accommodate breastfeeding. Conclusions: Interventions are needed within the social and work environment to support mothers with breastfeeding while they continue earning an income in the informal economy. The extension of the CSG to the antenatal period could assist mothers to stay at home longer post-delivery to breastfeed their babies.

scholarly journals ‘I decided to go back to work so I can afford to buy her formula’: a longitudinal mixed-methods study to explore how women in informal work balance the competing demands of infant feeding and working to provide for their family. 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silondile Luthuli ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Sphindile Mapumulo ◽  
Nigel Rollins ◽  
Christiane Horwood
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Antenatal Visit ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Informal Work ◽  
Informal Workers

Abstract Background: In South Africa almost 2 million women work informally. Informal work is characterised by poor job security, low earnings, and unsafe working conditions, with high rates of poverty and food insecurity. The peripartum period is a vulnerable time for many working women. This study explored how mothers navigate the tension between the need to work and needing to take care of a newborn baby, and how this affects their feeding plans and practices. Methods: A mixed methods longitudinal cohort method was employed. Informal workers were recruited in the last trimester of pregnancy during an antenatal visit at two clinics in Durban, South Africa. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and quantitative questionnaires at three time points: pre-delivery, post-delivery and after returning to work. Framework analysis was used to analyse qualitative data in NVIVO v12.4. Quantitative analysis used SPSSv26. Results: Twenty-four participants were enrolled and followed-up for a period of up to one year. Informal occupations included domestic work, home-based work, informal trading, and hairdressing, and most women earned <R3000 (US$175) per month. Participants had good knowledge of the importance of breastfeeding for child health. Most women planned to take time off work after the birth of their babies, supporting themselves during this time with the child support grant (CSG) received for older children, their savings, and support from the baby’s father and other family members. However, financial pressures forced many mothers to return to work earlier than planned, resulting in changes to infant feeding practices. Several mothers tried expressing breastmilk, but only one was able to sustain this while away from the baby. Most participants introduced formula, other foods and fluids to their babies when they returned to work or stopped breastfeeding entirely, but some were able to change their work or adapt their working hours to accommodate breastfeeding. Conclusions: Interventions are needed within the social and work environment to support mothers with breastfeeding while they continue earning an income in the informal economy. The extension of the CSG to the antenatal period could assist mothers to stay at home longer post-delivery to breastfeed their babies.

scholarly journals ‘I decided to go back to work so I can afford to buy her formula’: a longitudinal qualitative study to explore how women in informal work balance the challenges of infant feeding and childcare while working to provide for their family

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silondile Luthuli ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Sphindile Mapumulo ◽  
Nigel Rollins ◽  
Christiane Horwood
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Antenatal Visit ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Informal Work ◽  
Informal Workers

Abstract Background In South Africa almost 2 million women work informally. Informal work is characterised by poor job security, low earnings, and unsafe working conditions, with high rates of poverty and food insecurity. The peripartum period is a vulnerable time for many working women. This study explored how mothers navigate the tension between the need to work and needing to take care of a newborn baby, and how this affects their feeding plans and practices. Methods A mixed methods longitudinal cohort method was employed. Informal workers were recruited in the last trimester of pregnancy during an antenatal visit at two clinics in Durban, South Africa. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and quantitative questionnaires at three time points: pre-delivery, post-delivery and after returning to work. Framework analysis was used to analyse qualitative data in NVIVO v12.4. Quantitative analysis used SPSSv26. Results Twenty-four participants were enrolled and followed-up for a period of up to one year. Informal occupations included domestic work, home-based work, informal trading, and hairdressing, and most women earned < R3000 (US$175) per month. Participants had good knowledge of the importance of breastfeeding for child health. Most women planned to take time off work after the birth of their babies, supporting themselves during this time with the child support grant (CSG) received for older children, their savings, and support from the baby’s father and other family members. However, financial pressures forced many mothers to return to work earlier than planned, resulting in changes to infant feeding practices. Several mothers tried expressing breastmilk, but only one was able to sustain this while away from the baby. Most participants introduced formula, other foods and fluids to their babies when they returned to work or stopped breastfeeding entirely, but some were able to change their work or adapt their working hours to accommodate breastfeeding. Conclusions Interventions are needed within the social and work environment to support mothers with breastfeeding while they continue earning an income in the informal economy. The extension of the CSG to the antenatal period could assist mothers to stay at home longer post-delivery to breastfeed their babies.

scholarly journals A descriptive study to explore working conditions and childcare practices among informal women workers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: identifying opportunities to support childcare for mothers in informal work

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Horwood ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Laura Alfers ◽  
Zandile Masango-Muzindutsi ◽  
Richard Dobson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Women Workers ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Domestic Workers ◽  
Rural Site ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Informal Work ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Informal Traders

Abstract Background Although women working in the informal economy are a large and vulnerable group, little is known about infant feeding and childcare practices among these women. The aim of this study was to explore childcare practices among mothers in informal work. Methods A cross-sectional survey among mothers with children aged < 2 years working in the informal economy in an urban and a rural site in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. Results A total of 247 interviews were conducted with 170 informal traders and 77 domestic workers. Most mothers lived with their child (225/247, 91.1%), had initiated breastfeeding (208/247; 84.2%) and many were still breastfeeding (112/247; 45.3%). Among 96 mothers who had stopped breastfeeding, the most common reason was returning to work (34/96; 35.4%). Many mothers relied on family members, particularly grandmothers, to care for their child while they were working (103/247, 41.7%) but some mothers took their child with them to work (70/247; 28.1%). Few fathers participated in the care of their child: 54 mothers (21.9%) reported that the father had ever looked after the child while she was away from home. Domestic workers were less likely than informal traders to take their child to work (p = 0.038). Women reported receiving a salary from an informal employer (119), or being own-account workers (120) or being unpaid/paid in kind (8). Most participants were in stable work (> 4 years) with regular working hours, but received very low pay. Domestic workers were more likely than informal traders to have regular working hours (p = 0.004), and to be earning >$240 per month (p = 0.003). Mothers reported high levels of food insecurity for themselves and their child: 153 mothers (61.9%) reported having missed a meal in the past month due to lack of resources to buy food, and 88 (35.6%) mothers reported that their child had missed a meal for this reason. Conclusion This study provides a preliminary description of informal women workers who, despite having stable work, are vulnerable, low paid and food insecure. These women may require support to provide optimal childcare and nutrition for their children.

scholarly journals ‘She must cover up whilst the baby is feeding’: Experiences and attitudes about breastfeeding among female and male informal workers in India and South Africa.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Horwood ◽  
Aditi Surie ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Silondile Luthuli ◽  
Rachael Hinton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Child Care ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Informal Work ◽  
Informal Workers ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices

Abstract Background: Worldwide, over 740 million women make their living in the informal economy and do not benefit from formal employment benefits, such as maternity leave, that can improve infant feeding practices. Returning to work is one of the biggest challenges women face to maintaining breastfeeding. This study aimed to explore interactions between informal work and breastfeeding practices. Methods: The study used a qualitative research design. Purposive and snowball sampling was employed. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among men and women working in different types of informal jobs, in India and South Africa. Data was analysed using a thematic approach and the framework method.Results: Between March and July 2017, 14 FGDs were conducted in South Africa and nine in India. Most women were knowledgeable about the benefits of breastfeeding and reported initiating breastfeeding. However, pressures of family responsibilities and household financial obligations often forced mothers to return to work soon after childbirth. Upon return to work many mothers changed their infant feeding practices, adding breastmilk substitutes like formula milk, buffalo milk, and non-nutritive fluids like Rooibos tea. Some mothers expressed breastmilk to feed the infant while working but many mothers raised concerns about breastmilk becoming ‘spoilt’. Breastfeeding in the workplace was challenging as the work environment was described as unsafe and unhygienic for breastfeeding and childcare. Mothers also described being unable to complete their work tasks while caring for an infant. In contrast, the flexibility of informal work allowed some mothers to successfully balance competing priorities of child care and work. Sociocultural challenges influenced breastfeeding practices. For example, men in both countries expressed mixed views about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding was perceived as good for both mother and child, however it was culturally unacceptable for women to breastfeed in public. This affected the ability of working mothers to breastfeed outside the home and contributed to a lack of respect for women who chose to breastfeed in the workplace. Conclusion: Mothers working in the informal sector face multiple challenges to maintaining breastfeeding. Interventions are required to support optimal feeding and child care if global nutrition and development goals are to be met.

scholarly journals ‘I can no longer do my work like how I used to’: a mixed methods longitudinal cohort study exploring how informal working mothers balance the requirements of livelihood and safe childcare in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Horwood ◽  
Rachael Hinton ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Silondile Luthuli ◽  
Sphindile Mapumulo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Working Mothers ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort Study ◽  
Informal Work ◽  
Informal Workers ◽  
Returning To Work ◽  
Formal Childcare

Abstract Background Returning to work after childbirth is challenging for working mothers. Childcare quality may have lifelong effects on children’s health, development and cognitive function. Over 60% of working women globally are informal workers without employment or maternity protection, but little is known about how these women care for their children. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods longitudinal cohort study among informal women workers in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa between July 2018 and August 2019. Participants were followed up from late pregnancy until they had returned to work. We conducted structured quantitative interviews and in-depth qualitative interviews at different time points: before and after the baby was born, and after returning to work. Subsequently, a photovoice activity was conducted with groups of participants to explore the childcare environment. We employed narrative thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive analysis for quantitative data. Results 24 women were recruited to participate. Women returned to work soon after the baby was born, often earlier than planned, because of financial responsibilities to provide for the household and new baby. Women had limited childcare choices and most preferred to leave their babies with family members at home, as the most convenient, low cost option. Otherwise, mothers chose paid carers or formal childcare. However, formal childcare was reported to be poor quality, unaffordable and not suited to needs of informal workers. Mothers expressed concern about carers’ reliability and the safety of the childcare environment. Flexibility of informal work allowed some mothers to adapt their work to care for their child themselves, but others were unable to arrange consistent childcare, sometimes leaving the child with unsuitable carers to avoid losing paid work. Mothers were frequently anxious about leaving the child but felt they had no choice as they needed to work. Conclusion Mothers in informal work had limited childcare options and children were exposed to unsafe, poor-quality care. Maternity protection for informal workers would support these mothers to stay home longer to care for themselves, their family and their baby. Provision of good quality, affordable childcare would provide stability for mothers and give these vulnerable children the opportunity to thrive.

scholarly journals ‘She must cover up whilst the baby is feeding’: Experiences and attitudes about breastfeeding among female and male informal workers in India and South Africa.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Horwood ◽  
Aditi Surie ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Silondile Luthuli ◽  
Rachael Hinton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Child Care ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Informal Work ◽  
Informal Workers ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices

Abstract Background: Worldwide, over 740 million women make their living in the informal economy and do not benefit from formal employment benefits, such as maternity leave, that can improve infant feeding practices. Returning to work is one of the biggest challenges women face to maintaining breastfeeding. This study aimed to explore interactions between informal work and breastfeeding practices. Methods: The study used a qualitative research design. Purposive and snowball sampling was employed. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among men and women working in different types of informal jobs, in India and South Africa. Data was analysed using a thematic approach and the framework method. Results: Between March and July 2017, 14 FGDs were conducted in South Africa and nine in India. Most women were knowledgeable about the benefits of breastfeeding and reported initiating breastfeeding. However, pressures of family responsibilities and household financial obligations often forced mothers to return to work soon after childbirth. Upon return to work many mothers changed their infant feeding practices, adding breastmilk substitutes like formula milk, buffalo milk, and non-nutritive fluids like Rooibos tea. Some mothers expressed breastmilk to feed the infant while working but many mothers raised concerns about breastmilk becoming ‘spoilt’. Breastfeeding in the workplace was challenging as the work environment was described as unsafe and unhygienic for breastfeeding and childcare. Mothers also described being unable to complete their work tasks while caring for an infant. In contrast, the flexibility of informal work allowed some mothers to successfully balance competing priorities of child care and work. Sociocultural challenges influenced breastfeeding practices. For example, men in both countries expressed mixed views about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding was perceived as good for both mother and child, however it was culturally unacceptable for women to breastfeed in public. This affected the ability of working mothers to breastfeed outside the home and contributed to a lack of respect for women who chose to breastfeed in the workplace. Conclusion: Mothers working in the informal sector face multiple challenges to maintaining breastfeeding. Interventions are required to support optimal feeding and child care if global nutrition and development goals are to be met.

scholarly journals Does The Unconditional Cash Transfer Program in South Africa Provide Support for Women After Child Birth? Barriers To Accessing The Child Support Grant Among Women in Informal Work in Durban, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silondile Luthuli ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Sphindile Mapumulo ◽  
Christiane Horwood
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Working Women ◽  
Cash Transfer ◽  
Transfer Program ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Informal Workers ◽  
Child Support Grant ◽  
Unconditional Cash Transfer

Abstract Background The child support grant (CSG) is the largest unconditional cash transfer program in Africa and aims to alleviate poverty and improve child health and nutrition in low-income families in South Africa. Among informal working women, the CSG is an important source of income after childbirth when informal workers are unable to work, but reports suggest that women experience delays in accessing the CSG. We explore experiences and challenges accessing the CSG among informal workers in Durban, South Africa Methods We undertook a longitudinal mixed-methods cohort study. Women informal workers were recruited during pregnancy and followed-up for up to one year after the baby was born. Quantitative questionnaires and semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to collect data about women’s plans for applying for the CSG, the application process, use of the CSG in the household, and household food insecurity. Interviews were conducted in IsiZulu by experienced researchers. Descriptive analysis of quantitative data used SPSS v26, and framework analysis using NVIVO v12.3 was used for qualitative analysis. Results Twenty-four informal working women were enrolled. The CSG received for older children was reported as an important and reliable source of income for mothers after childbirth. However, delays receiving the CSG for the new baby meant this support was unavailable to first-time mothers. The complex application process for the CSG required mothers to go to various government departments to complete the required documentation, often taking the baby with them. This was costly and time-consuming for mothers who were already vulnerable, and led to delays in obtaining CSG funds. Many women experienced moderate or severe food insecurity before and after the baby was born. As a result, some mothers had to return to work earlier than planned, disrupting childcare and breastfeeding. Conclusion Cash transfer programmes can effectively support low income households and improve outcomes for mothers and children. In South Africa there is a need for innovative approaches to streamline CSG applications, so women can access the funds immediately post-delivery to fill a resource gap and provide support at a vulnerable time for mothers and their children.

scholarly journals How is breastfeeding perceived in the informal work environment? A qualitative study among working mothers in India and South Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Horwood ◽  
Aditi Surie ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Silondile Luthuli ◽  
Rachael Hinton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Child Care ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Informal Sector ◽  
Working Mothers ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Infant Feeding Practices ◽  
Informal Work

Abstract Background Worldwide, over 740 million women make their living in the informal economy. These women do not benefit from formal employment benefits, such as maternity leave, that can improve infant feeding practices. Returning to work is one of the biggest challenges women face to maintaining breastfeeding but little is known about how informal work impacts on infant feeding.Methods The study used a qualitative research design. Purposive and snowball sampling was employed. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among men and women working in the informal sector in India and South Africa. Data was analysed using a thematic approach and the framework method.Findings Between March and July 2017, 14 FGDs were conducted in South Africa and nine in India. Most women were knowledgeable about the benefits of breastfeeding and reported initiating breastfeeding. However, pressures of family responsibilities and household financial obligations often forced mothers to return to work soon after childbirth. Upon return to work many mothers changed their infant feeding practices, adding breastmilk substitutes like formula milk, buffalo milk, and non-nutritive fluids like Rooibos tea. Some mothers expressed breastmilk to feed the infant while working but many mothers raised concerns about breastmilk becoming ‘spoilt’. Breastfeeding in the workplace was challenging as the work environment was described as unsafe and unhygienic for breastfeeding and childcare. Mothers also described being unable to complete their work tasks while caring for an infant. In contrast, the flexibility of informal work allowed some mothers to successfully balance competing priorities of child care and work. Sociocultural challenges influenced breastfeeding practices. For example, men in both countries expressed mixed views about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding was perceived as good for both mother and child, however it was culturally unacceptable for women to breastfeed in public. This affected the ability of working mothers to breastfeed outside the home and contributed to a lack of respect for women who chose to breastfeed in the workplace.Conclusion Mothers working in the informal sector face multiple challenges to maintaining breastfeeding. Interventions are required to support optimal feeding and child care if global nutrition and development goals are to be met.

scholarly journals Does the unconditional cash transfer program in South Africa provide support for women after child birth? Barriers to accessing the child support grant among women in informal work in Durban, South Africa

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silondile Luthuli ◽  
Lyn Haskins ◽  
Sphindile Mapumulo ◽  
Christiane Horwood
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Working Women ◽  
Cash Transfer ◽  
Transfer Program ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Informal Workers ◽  
Child Support Grant ◽  
Unconditional Cash Transfer

Abstract Background The child support grant (CSG) is the largest unconditional cash transfer program in Africa and aims to alleviate poverty and improve child health and nutrition in low-income families in South Africa. Among informal working women, the CSG is an important source of income after childbirth when informal workers are unable to work, but reports suggest that women experience delays in accessing the CSG. We explore experiences and challenges of accessing the CSG among informal workers in Durban, South Africa. Methods We undertook a longitudinal mixed-methods cohort study. Women informal workers were recruited during pregnancy and followed-up for up to one year after the baby was born. Quantitative questionnaires and semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to collect data about women’s plans for applying for the CSG, the application process, use of the CSG in the household, and household food insecurity. Interviews were conducted in IsiZulu by experienced researchers. Descriptive analysis of quantitative data used SPSS v26, and framework analysis using NVIVO v12.3 was used for qualitative analysis. Results Twenty-four informal working women were enrolled. The CSG received for older children was reported as an important and reliable source of income for mothers after childbirth. However, delays receiving the CSG for the new baby meant this support was unavailable to first-time mothers. The complex application process for the CSG required mothers to travel to various government departments to complete the required documentation, often taking the baby with them. This was costly and time-consuming for mothers who were already vulnerable, and led to delays in obtaining CSG funds. Many women experienced moderate or severe food insecurity before and after the baby was born. As a result, some mothers had to return to work earlier than planned, disrupting childcare and breastfeeding. Conclusions Cash transfer programmes can effectively support low income households and improve outcomes for mothers and children. In South Africa there is a need for innovative approaches to streamline CSG applications, so women can access the funds immediately post-delivery to fill a resource gap and provide support at a vulnerable time for mothers and their children.

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