Breastfeeding in Bolivia - information and attitudes

Correlates of exclusive breastfeeding practices in rural and urban Niger: a community-based cross-sectional study

Background

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) can prevent death and disease among young children. The proportion of EBF is low in Niger. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and correlates of exclusive breastfeeding.

Methods

We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in urban and rural areas of Niger among mothers of infants under 7 months old. We used a structured questionnaire to investigate breastfeeding practices, sociodemographic factors, and health service use. We used multivariate analysis to explore the correlates of EBF since birth.

Results

The study involved 234 urban and 283 rural mothers. Colostrum was almost universally given to newborns (98.7% [231/234] urban and 97.9% [277/283] rural) and many mothers started breastfeeding within an hour of giving birth (69.2% [162/234] and 90.5% [256/283]). The proportion of EBF since birth in urban and rural areas was 15.8% (37/234) and 54.4% (154/283), respectively. Among mothers who had ceased EBF, proportion of prelacteal feeding was 85.3% (168/197) in urban areas and 62.0% (80/129) in rural areas, while 93.4% (183/196) and 72.7% (88/121) had stopped EBF within 1 week after birth respectively. The median duration of EBF was 1 week in urban and 2 months in rural areas. In urban areas, EBF was more likely in mothers with infants 3 months old or younger (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 2.78; 95% Confidence Interval 95% [CI] 1.07, 7.21) and problems with delivery including Caesarean section (AOR 3.60; 95% CI 1.17, 11.01). In rural areas, lower socioeconomic status (AOR 1.89; 95% CI 1.12, 3.18), early initiation of breastfeeding (AOR 4.04; 95% CI 1.50, 10.83) and delivery assisted by a traditional birth attendant (AOR 3.49; 95% CI 1.37, 8.89) were correlated with exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusions

Exclusive breastfeeding was uncommon. Most mothers ceased EBF within 1 week after birth. Adequate information about EBF by health professionals around delivery seems to encourage its use. To encourage EBF in Niger, it is important to educate health professionals, including traditional birth attendants, and enable them to discuss the practice with mothers through individual counselling or group education.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13006-019-0226-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Reasons for formula feeding among rural Bangladeshi mothers: A qualitative exploration

In Bangladesh the exclusive breastfeeding rate remains low and prelacteal, formula and bottle feeding is increasing. This study aims to explore reasons behind infant formula feeding practices from mothers, caregivers, and health care provider's perspective. This was a qualitative study carried out in four sub-districts of Sylhet and Jessore of rural Bangladesh. Data were collected through focus group discussions (12), in-depth interviews (4) and key informant interviews (12) from January to February 2014. The qualitative data collected and were analyzed using thematic content analysis. This study clearly showed the factor behind formula feeding by Bangladeshi rural women. One of the major findings was that women could not differentiate between formula and other milk. Main differences between formula and powder milk were the type of consumer where formula only was taken by infant and children less than 2 years. Other major reasons include; poor breastfeeding practices, lack of appropriate breastfeeding practices, superficial knowledge on harmful effect on infant formula; perceived insufficient breast milk production, the influence of family and society and authoritarian power of hospital staff. Rural mothers have intension to feed infant formula to their infants due to various factors including individual, social, cultural and institutional. These identified factors can contribute to policy making and develop more specific interventions targeting expected mother and their family members that can contribute to stop formula feeding and increase breastfeeding practices in rural Bangladesh.

The influence of grandmothers on breastfeeding rates: a systematic review

Background

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life has enormous potential to reduce mortality and morbidity. The older generation, particularly the infant’s grandmothers, play a central role in various aspects of pregnancy and child rearing decision-making within the family unit. This is particularly true in low- and middle-income countries where older women are seen as owners of traditional knowledge. Despite this, most health programs target the individual person most directly involved in the target behaviour – usually new mothers – without a commensurate understanding of who else influences those decisions. In this systematic review we aim to quantify the impact of the grandmother on influencing a mother’s breastfeeding practices.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review using Web of Science, Scopus, and Medline databases using search terms for grandmother and breastfeeding. Eligible studies reported on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and included estimates of effect of a grandmother’s influence including whether or not the grandmother lived with the infant’s family, the grandmother’s education, and the grandmother’s attitudes towards and prior experience with breastfeeding.

Results

We identified 568 articles and, after review, 13 articles were assessed as meeting the selection criteria. They were conducted in both developed and developing countries and included cross-sectional surveys, prospective cohort studies and one randomised controlled trial. Eight studies examined the effects of attitudes or experiences of older generations with respect to breastfeeding and five of the eight found a significant positive impact on breastfeeding when grandmothers of the infants had had their own breastfeeding experience or were positively inclined towards breastfeeding, resulting in effects of between 1.6 to 12.4 times more likely to exclusively breastfeed or refrain from introducing solid foods. A Chinese study however found that highly educated grandmothers were associated with decreased exclusive breastfeeding. The majority of the studies were assessed to be of weak or moderate quality.

Conclusions

This review found evidence that demonstrates that grandmothers have the capacity to influence exclusive breastfeeding. Programs that seek to influence exclusive breastfeeding should include grandmothers in their interventions to achieve maximum impact.

Individual and community-level factors associated with introduction of prelacteal feeding in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Ethiopia is a country with low optimal breast feeding practice, and prelacteal feeding is still a norm. Introduction of prelacteal feeding is a known barrier for optimal breast feeding practices. However, knowledge on determinants of introduction of prelacteal feeding is minimal. This study aimed to identify the effects of individual and community-level factors in the introduction of prelacteal feeding in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Data for this study was extracted from the nationally representative 2011 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) and focused on a sample from child data, with a sample from 576 clusters of 7692 children who were last-born in the past five years preceding the survey. The data was collected using two-stage cluster design, in which enumeration areas forming the first stage and households making the second stage. A two-level mixed effect multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to determine the individual and community-level factors associated with introduction of prelacteal feeding.

RESULTS

From the total sample of children 28.92 % were fed prelacteals. Butter (n = 1143), plain water (n = 395) and milk-other than breast milk (n = 323) were commonly used prelacteals. In multivariable two-level mixed effect model; caesarean mode of delivery (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.87; 95 % CI 1.28, 2.73), and late initiation of breastfeeding (AOR = 5.32; 95 % CI 4.65, 6.09) were both positively associated with the odds of giving prelacteals. Higher economic status 28 % (AOR = 0.72; 95 % CI 0.54, 0.98), giving birth at hand of non-health personnel birth assistance (AOR = 0.68; 95 % CI 0.54, 0.87), large birth size of child (AOR = 0.80; 95 % CI 0.68, 0.95) and high community antenatal care use (AOR = 0.58; 95 % CI 0.38, 0.87) were negatively associated with the odds of giving prelacteals. Significant variation in prelacteal feeding practice was also seen among ethnic and religious groups, and across regions.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of prelacteal feeding was high that remained a challenge for optimal breastfeeding in Ethiopia. Not only individual-level factors, but also community-level factors contribute to prelacteal feeding practice. Increasing access to health education through increasing maternal health care service coverage and community involvement is crucial.

Effects of antenatal care and institutional delivery on exclusive breastfeeding practice in northwest Ethiopia: a nested case-control study

Background

For the first six months of life, breast milk is the ideal food to provide adequate quality and quantity of nutrients. Exclusive breastfeeding has a profound effect to reduce the risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal related morbidities as well as all-cause and infection-related neonatal mortalities. Despite the immense benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, the practice is suboptimal in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess whether antenatal care and institutional delivery contributes to mothers' practice of exclusive breastfeeding in rural communities of northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based nested case–control study was conducted in northwest Ethiopia from November 2009 to August 2011. About 1769 mother-infant pairs were included and followed for six months after birth. Interviews with mothers were conducted in the first week, at 1^st, 4^th, and 6^th month. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were carried out to determine associations between independent variables and exclusive breastfeeding practice.

Results

Of the total respondents, 30.7 % (95 % CI: 27 %, 35 %) of mothers exclusively breastfed their infants. In multivariate analysis, own business activity (AOR= 3.06; 95 % CI: 1.29, 7.25), being a housewife (AOR= 3.41; 95 % CI: 1.28, 9.11), having antenatal care (AOR= 1.32; 95 % CI: 1.01, 1.73), giving birth in a health institution (AOR= 1.29; 95 % CI: 1.02, 1.62), and possessing a microfinance bank account (AOR= 2.35; 95 % CI: 1.80, 3.07) were positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice.

Conclusions

Despite underutilization of maternal health services, these services contributed to mothers exclusive breastfeeding practice. Strengthening utilization of antenatal care and institutional delivery would have an added benefit in improving exclusive breastfeeding practice. Moreover involving mothers in business activities is important.

Inequities in milk-based prelacteal feedings in Latin America and the Caribbean: the role of cesarean section delivery

BACKGROUND

Prelacteal feeds (ie, foods other than breast milk offered before the milk comes in) have been identified as a risk factor for shorter breastfeeding duration and neonatal mortality.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to test for socioeconomic inequities on the risk of milk-based prelacteal feeding associated with cesarean section delivery.

METHODS

We conducted secondary cross-sectional data analyses of 7 Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Latin American and Caribbean countries between 2005 and 2010 (N = 49 253 women with children younger than 3 years of age). Multivariate logistic regression was used to test the association between cesarean section delivery and the risk of milk-based prelacteal feeding in the total samples as well as within the lowest and highest wealth quintile subsamples by country and in the pooled sample.

RESULTS

Almost one-third of newborns received milk-based (22.9%) prelacteal feeds. Prelacteal feeding prevalence varied from 17.6% in Guiana to 55% in Dominican Republic. Cesarean section delivery was associated with significantly higher odds of introduction of milk-based prelacteals in all countries (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] range, 2.34 in Bolivia to 4.50 in Peru). The association between cesarean section delivery and risk of milk-based prelacteal feeds was stronger among the poorest than wealthiest women (AOR [95% confidence interval], 2.94 [2.58-3.67] vs 2.17 [1.85-2.54]).

CONCLUSION

Women of lower socioeconomic status may need additional breastfeeding support after cesarean section delivery to prevent the introduction of milk-based prelacteals. Reducing the rates of cesarean section deliveries is likely to reduce the prevalence of prelacteal feeding.

The Knowledge and Attitudes towards Breastfeeding of Iranian Mothers during the First Year after Delivery in 2013

OBJECTIVE: Globally less than 40% of infants less than six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Adequate breastfeeding support for mothers and families could save many young lives. This study aimed to determine knowledge and attitudes of mothers toward breastfeeding in Tonekabon, Iran.METHODS: This study was a descriptive-analytical cross sectional study with convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 200 nursing mothers who have including criteria of the study. Data was collected by a questionnaire including demographic data and questions about knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding. Data analysis performed by using of SPSS (11.5) and appropriate statistical tests.RESULTS: Most of them (73.5%) were 21-30 age group. 50.5% of them had a diploma education. 46% of them reported the essential information about breastfeeding obtained from medical- health centers. 5% of them had poor and 42% had a medium knowledge about breastfeeding while 53% of them had good knowledge about it. Most of the mothers (79.5%) had positive attitude regarding breast feeding.CONCLUSION: According to most of the mothers had good knowledge and positive attitude about breastfeeding, with proper planning to increase awareness and promote a positive attitude towards breastfeeding can be tried for child survival.

The Grandmother's Role in Breastfeeding

Objetivo: investigar la influencia de la abuela sobre la madre que da lactancia materna y su relación con la incidencia y prevalencia dela misma. Método: se realizó una revisión integral consultando de las bases de datos medline ovid, dialnet y CoChrane library. Tras el análisisde los textos, se escogieron once estudios de investigación que iban dirigidos directamente a comprobar la influencia de las abuelas en laincidencia y prevalencia de la lactancia materna en diferentes contextos. Resultados: la abuela apareció como fuente de apoyo en poblaciónrural (41 %). En población urbana la abuela aparece entre los tres factores principales (intención de la madre de lactar o no, decisiónde la madre del patrón de alimentación de su hijo e información objetiva sobre pautas de amamantamiento), tanto en el papel de apoyo(94,7 %), como en el de obstáculo (26,7 %). En cuanto a la decisión de la madre sobre el patrón de alimentación de sus hijos, el 78 % refierehaber tomado la decisión antes del embarazo o en el primer trimestre. La convivencia con la abuela tuvo asociación positiva con dar aguao infusiones (PR regresión de Cox con IC 95 %: 1,51 [1,10-2,09]; p = 0,011). Conclusiones: a la luz de la revisión, la influencia detractorao no que ejerce la abuela sobre la lactancia materna la da sobre los tres factores principales. La influencia detractora ejercida por losconsejos de la abuela parece estar relacionada con conocimientos erróneos adquiridos como “generación del biberón” más que con laintencionalidad, y es susceptible de modificarse con información adecuada, con resultados favorables sobre el patrón de alimentación.

Sub-optimal breastfeeding of infants during the first six months and associated factors in rural communities of Jimma Arjo Woreda, Southwest Ethiopia

Background

Studies have shown that sub-optimal breastfeeding is major contributor to infant and young child mortality in Ethiopia. To address this problem, infant and young child feeding guideline was developed in 2004 and interventions have been going on based on the guidelines. There is no study that assessed whether the infant and child feeding practices are according the guideline or not. This study was carried out to assess sub-optimal breastfeeding practices and associated factors among infants from birth to six months in rural communities of Jimma Arjo Woreda in the Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out from December to January 2009. Quantitative data were collected from a sample of 382 respondents supplemented by qualitative data generated using in-depth interviews of 15 index mothers. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of timely initiation of breast feeding and non-exclusive breast feeding among mother-infant pairs.

Results

More than three fourth of mothers breastfeed their infants sub-optimally. Thirty-seven percent of mothers initiated breastfeeding later than one hour after delivery, which was significantly associated with not attending formal education (AOR = 1.05[95%CI: 1.03, 1.94]) and painful breastfeeding experiences (AOR = 5.02[95%CI: 1.01, 10.08]). The majority (67.02%) of mothers had no knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding. Non-exclusive breastfeeding was negatively associated with child’s age of 0-2 months (AOR: 0.27[95%CI: 0.16, 0.47) and 3-4 months (AOR = 0.43 [95%CI: 0.25, 0.73) and ownership of radio (AOR = 0.56[95%CI: 0.37, 0.88]), but positively associated with the practice of discarding colostrums (AOR = 1.78[95%CI: 1.09, 4.94]).

Conclusion

The findings showed that the majority of mothers sub-optimally breastfeed their children in the study area. As most of the mothers do not have knowledge on the exclusive breast feeding. Enhancing community based behavior change communications using multiple channels including radio and folk media is recommended to reduce sub-optimal breast feeding practices and associated consequences among children in the study area.

Apoio paterno ao aleitamento materno: uma revisão integrativa

OBJETIVO: Identificar, na literatura científica, publicações sobre a participação do pai ou companheiro no aleitamento materno. FONTES DE DADOS: Realizou-se uma revisão integrativa no período de 1995 a 2010, utilizando-se os unitermos "pai" e "aleitamento materno" nas bases de dados LILACS, SciELO, BDENF e PubMed/MEDLINE. Os dados obtidos foram organizados em três categorias: o pai como suporte para a amamentação; percepções paternas sobre a amamentação; e o impacto da intervenção educativa sobre aleitamento para os pais. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Foram identificadas 44 publicações que mostraram que o apoio social, profissional e familiar foi imprescindível para o sucesso do aleitamento materno. O pai foi destacado como suporte fundamental pela forte influência na decisão da mulher em amamentar e na sua continuidade. Contudo, a participação do pai exibe sentimentos ambivalentes: competitividade com a mãe vs. proteção; exclusão vs. aumento do vínculo familiar; apoio vs. preconceitos. Os profissionais de saúde, apontados como referência na busca de informações, mostram-se despreparados para atender aos pais. CONCLUSÕES: Foram encontradas várias produções científicas ressaltando a relevância do apoio paterno para o sucesso do aleitamento materno. Contudo, a maioria das pesquisas apresenta abordagem descritiva, havendo poucos estudos com intervenções educativas.

A influência da rede social da nutriz no aleitamento materno: o papel estratégico dos familiares e dos profissionais de saúde

Objetivou-se levantar e categorizar trabalhos científicos sobre a influência da rede social da lactante no contexto da amamentação. Para isto, realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica nas principais bases de dados em saúde (MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO), utilizando como palavras chaves os descritores: aleitamento materno, desmame e família (e suas versões em inglês e espanhol). Foram consultados também livros, teses, dissertações, publicações em órgãos internacionais e nacionais (OMS, UNICEF, Ministério da Saúde). Pode-se observar que os atores que compõem a rede social da nutriz são capazes de exercer interferência na decisão de amamentar, através de diferentes âmbitos, tais como o incentivo/apoio à iniciativa; o repasse de conhecimentos e valores culturais; a tradição familiar e o cultivo do desinteresse/desestímulo e da pressão exercida sobre a lactante em relação à forma de alimentar a criança. Destarte, pode-se inferir sobre a necessidade de implementação de novas práticas de saúde no que tange à forma de cuidado a este grupo populacional. Vale ressaltar a importância de que os profissionais se capacitem para uma escuta sensível sobre o significado da lactação desde o olhar da nutriz. Por fim, destaca-se o papel importante da rede social da lactante, principalmente a família, para o sucesso da amamentação.

Breast and complementary feeding practices in relation to morbidity and growth in Malawian infants

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to compare growth, morbidity incidence and risk factors for undernutrition between infants receiving complementary feeding early, before 3 months of age, with those receiving complementary foods after 3 months in a poor rural Malawian community.

METHODS

A cohort of babies was enrolled at birth for follow-up to 12 months of age. Weight, length, morbidity and feeding patterns were recorded at 4 weekly intervals from birth to 52 weeks.

RESULTS

Mean age at introduction of water was 2.5 months (range 0-11.8), complementary foods 3.4 months (range, 1.0-10.7) and solids 4.5 months (range 1.2-13.8). Over 40% of infants had received complementary foods by 2 months and 65% by 3 months. The proportion of exclusively breast-fed infants, which included those receiving supplemental water, was 13% at 4 months, 6.3% at 5 months and 1.5% at 6 months. Infants with early complementary feeding had lower weight for age at 3 and 6 months (P<0.05), and at 9 months (P=0.07) and at 2 months they were approximately 200 g lighter. Early complementary feeding was significantly associated with increased risk for respiratory infection (P<0.05), and marginally increased risk for eye infection and episodes of malaria. Maternal illiteracy was associated with early complementary feeding (OR=2.1, 95% CI 1.3, 3.2), while later complementary feeding was associated with reduced infant morbidity and improved growth.

CONCLUSION

Breast-feeding promotion programmes should target illiterate women. Greater emphasis is required to improve complementary feeding practices.

Grandmothers' influence on child care

OBJECTIVE

This paper compares child care-giving and child's nutritional status among rural families where grandmothers were present and those where grandmothers were absent.

METHODS

From 27 villages in rural Vadodara, four were randomly selected and all the families (n=31) with children (3-24 months) where grandmothers were present (GMP) were compared with 39 families where grandmothers were absent (GMA). Semi structured questionnaires were used to assess beliefs-practices of mothers and grandmothers regarding breastfeeding and complementary feeding (BF-CF). Nutrient intake of the children and nutritional status were measured using standard procedures.

RESULTS

Some deleterious practices were present in a similar proportion of both GMP and GMA groups: giving prelacteals, delaying initiation of BF, exclusive breastfeeding < 3 months and delaying initiation of CF. Favorable practices present in significantly more GMP were: active feeding and use of anganwadi services. Grandmother's help enabled mother to practice more care-giving behaviors. However, children in both the groups had low calorie intake

CONCLUSION

Role of family members in childcare and the benefits of including them in interventions to improve child survival, health and nutrition status need to be further researched.

Korean university students’ knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding: A questionnaire survey

Infant feeding decisions depend on knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to explore Korean university students' knowledge and attitudes toward breastfeeding by gender and major. This was a cross-sectional comparative study among 341 university students. The instrument was a modified self-administered breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes questionnaire. Female students were slightly more knowledgeable and had somewhat more positive attitudes compared to male students. Students in health-related fields showed more knowledge than students in other disciplines, but their attitudes did not differ in majority. A significant correlation was found between the students' knowledge and their attitudes.