Factors associated to breastfeeding in the first hour of life: systematic review

Preparation and validation of a predictive model of breastfeeding initiation in the first hour of life

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to develop and validate a predictive model of initiation of breastfeeding in the first hour after delivery.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study on women who gave birth between 2013 and 2018 in Spain. For data collection, an ad hoc questionnaire was designed to be filled in by the mothers, which was distributed to the different Spanish breastfeeding associations which, in turn, shared it with their associate partners. The development of the predictive model was made on a cohort of 3218 women (2/3) and was validated on a cohort of 1609 women (1/3). Mothers whose children were admitted to hospital at the time of birth were excluded. A multivariate analysis was performed by means of logistic regression, and predictive ability was determined by areas under the ROC curve (AUC).

RESULTS

81.0 % (2608) women started breastfeeding in the first hour in the derivation cohort, and 80.1 % (1289) in the validation cohort. The predictive factors in the final model were: the highest number of children and skin-to-skin contact at birth as flattering factors, while dystocic delivery reduced the likelihood of the onset of breastfeeding. The predictive ability (ROC AUC) in the derivation cohort was 0.89 (CI 95 %: 0.87-0.90), while in the validation cohort it was 0.89 (CI 95 %: 0.87-0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

This three-variable predictive model has excellent predictive ability in both the derivation cohort and the validation cohort. This model can identify women who are at high risk of non-initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery.

Factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding in central Saudi Arabia: a hospital-based survey

BACKGROUND

Early initiation of breastfeeding is central to the success of infant feeding. The World Health Organization (WHO) therefore recommends breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and has set a target to increase the rate to 70% globally by 2030. This suggests the necessity of systematic investigations to capture trends in early initiation of breastfeeding to avail health systems of up-to-date information in the interest of appropriate policy making. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the factors associated with early initiation among mothers who delivered babies in public healthcare facilities in the Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

The research was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study which featured the recruitment of 546 mothers from March 2021 to June 2021 in five public hospitals. A questionnaire was the tool used for data collection and this was administered via face-to-face, structured interviews. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression including unadjusted (UOR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding was 23.1% (120 of 519 respondents). Maternal and paternal socio-demographic variables, household characteristics, parity, age of the previous child, breastfeeding the previous child or otherwise and the sex of the newborn were not associated with the early initiation of breastfeeding. Mode of delivery and antenatal education about breastfeeding were significant factors. Postnatal care practices were also significant: the provision of help in positioning babies for breastfeeding (AOR 3.5; 95% CI 1.62, 7.57), 24-hour rooming-in (AOR 6.26; 95% CI 1.31, 29.8) and encouragement to practice early initiation of breastfeeding (AOR 3.05; 95% CI 1.71, 5.43) were good, better and the best factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding respectively.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding is poor and represents a threat to child survival in the study area. Postnatal care practices are crucial factors strongly predisposing mothers to early initiation of breastfeeding and should therefore be institutionalized in health policy frameworks to promote the same in Saudi Arabia.

Breastfeeding competency and its influencing factors among pregnant women in third trimester pregnancy: a cross-sectional study

Competency is closely related to the occurrence of the behavior. Breastfeeding competence is the mastery of different breastfeeding factors which intervene in breastfeeding behavior. Breastfeeding competence could improve the breastfeeding behavior. However, few studies have paid attention to the status and the influencing factors of breastfeeding competency. The breastfeeding competency of pregnant women in third trimester pregnancy has the greatest impact on breastfeeding behavior after childbirth. Therefore, the objective of this study were to investigate the breastfeeding competency level and independent risk factors for breastfeeding competency among pregnant women in third trimester pregnancy. A cross-sectional survey method and convenience sampling method was used in the study. The general information questionnaire including age, gestational week, educational background, and so on were used to investigate the general information of pregnant women and their husbands. A breastfeeding competency scale (BCS) was used to investigate the breastfeeding competency of pregnant women. The total score of the BCS ranges from 38 to 190, with higher scores indicating greater breastfeeding competency. Lower level, medium level and higher level are 38-89, 90-140 and 141-190 respectively. Type-D Scale-14 (DS14) was used to investigate the type D personality of pregnant women. A multivariable linear regression was used to examine the independent predictors of breastfeeding competency. A total of 550 questionnaires were collected and finally 525 effective questionnaires were collected. The age of 525 pregnant women is (30.24 ± 3.954) years old. The breastfeeding competency score of pregnant women was (134 ± 19.741). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that higher breastfeeding competency in pregnant women were reported among pregnant women who gestational age ≥ 256 days (37 weeks) (B = 8.494, p < 0.001), the previous breastfeeding experience were exclusive breastfeeding (B = 17.384, p < 0.001) and partial breastfeeding (B = 16.878, p < 0.001), participating in pregnant women school 2-3 times (B = 10.968, p = 0.013) and ≥ 5 times (B = 13.731, p = 0.034). Pregnant women with lower breastfeeding competency were found in women who were judged to have type D personality (B = - 6.358, p < 0.001). The result can explain 25.8% of the variation in the total breastfeeding competency score. This should be considered an important issue by maternal and child health care in the medical system that the moderate level of breastfeeding capacity among pregnant women. Differentiated and targeted breastfeeding support and services for pregnant women should be carried out based on influencing factors of breastfeeding competency.

Breastfeeding in the first hour of life in Brazilian private hospitals participating in a quality-of-care improvement project

BACKGROUND

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative's Step 4 recommends: "support mothers to start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth", thus contributing to the reduction of neonatal mortality. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of breastfeeding in the first hour of life in private maternity hospitals participating in the "Adequate Childbirth Project", a quality-of-care improvement project, and to analyze determinants of this outcome.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of data collected by the cross-sectional evaluative "Healthy Birth Study", conducted in 2017 in 12 maternity hospitals participating in the Adequate Childbirth Project, where 4800 mothers were interviewed, and hospital records were observed. Conditions that prevented breastfeeding at birth, such as maternal HIV-infection and newborns' severe malformations, were excluded. Multiple logistic regression was performed according to a hierarchical theoretical model.

RESULTS

The prevalence of breastfeeding in the first hour of life was 58% (CI 95% 56.6-59.5%). Lower maternal education (aOR 0.643; CI 95% 0.528-0.782), lower economic status (aOR 0.687; CI 95% 0.504-0.935), cesarean section delivery (ORa 0.649; CI 95% 0.529-0.797), preterm birth (aOR 0.660; CI 95% 0.460-0.948) and non-rooming-in at birth (aOR 0.669; CI 95% 0.559-0.800) were negatively associated with the outcome. Receiving information during prenatal care about the importance of breastfeeding at birth (aOR 2.585; CI 95% 2.102-3.179), being target of the quality-of-care improvement project (aOR 1.273; CI 95% 1.065-1.522), skin-to-skin contact at birth (aOR 2.127; CI 95% 1.791-2.525) and female newborn (aOR 1.194; CI 95% 1.008-1.415) were factors positively associated with the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The private maternities participating in the Healthy Birth Study showed a good prevalence of breastfeeding in the first hour of life, according to WHO parameters. Prenatal guidance on breastfeeding at birth, being target of the quality-of-care improvement project and skin-to-skin contact at birth contributed to breastfeeding in the first hour of life.

Amamentação na primeira hora de vida em município do interior do Rio de Janeiro: fatores associados

Resumo Objetivo analisar a amamentação na primeira hora de vida e os fatores associados em um município do interior do Rio de Janeiro. Método estudo online transversal, realizado entre maio de 2021 e agosto de 2022, com 97 parturientes do município de Rio das Ostras. Na associação entre variáveis, adotaram-se o Teste Qui-Quadrado e regressão logística. Resultados entre as participantes, 77,3% pariram na maternidade pública e 22,7% na maternidade privada. A prevalência da amamentação na primeira hora de vida na sala de parto e no alojamento conjunto foi, respectivamente, de 21,6% e 58,3%, com diferenças significativas entre as maternidades. Puérperas da maternidade pública tiveram mais chances de não amamentar na primeira hora de vida. Ter ensino básico aumentou as chances de o bebê não ser amamentado na sala de parto e não realizar contato pele a pele precoce, além de não ser amamentado no alojamento conjunto. Conclusão e implicações para a prática a amamentação na primeira hora de vida não atingiu níveis preconizados, e distintos fatores associados à sua ocorrência foram identificados, como nível de instrução, local do parto e contato pele a pele. Recomenda-se que maternidades implementem as práticas humanizadas no cuidado ao recém-nascido, para elevar as taxas da amamentação na primeira hora de vida.

Breastfeeding in the first hour of life in a city in the countryside of Rio de Janeiro: associated factors

Abstract Objective to analyze breastfeeding in the first hour of life and associated factors in a city in the countryside of Rio de Janeiro. Method a cross-sectional online study, carried out between May 2021 and August 2022, with 97 parturient women in the municipality of Rio das Ostras. In the association between variables, the chi-square test and logistic regression were used. Results among the participants, 77.3% gave birth in the public maternity hospital and 22.7% in the private maternity hospital. The prevalence of breastfeeding in the first hour of life in the delivery room and in rooming-in was, respectively, 21.6% and 58.3%, with significant differences between maternity hospitals. Postpartum women from the public maternity hospital were more likely to not breastfeed in the first hour of life. Having basic education increased the chances of the baby not being breastfed in the delivery room and not having early skin-to-skin contact and not breastfeeding breastfed in rooming-in. Conclusion and implications for practice breastfeeding in the first hour of life did not reach recommended levels and different factors associated with its occurrence were identified, such as education level, place of childbirth and skin-to-skin contact. It is recommended that maternity hospitals implement humanized practices in newborn care to increase breastfeeding rates in the first hour of life.

Association between place of birth and timely breastfeeding initiation among Cambodian women: a population-based study

Background

Enhancing timely breastfeeding initiation within the first hour postpartum is a goal the WHO’s Early Essential Newborn Care (EENC) and Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) aim to achieve globally. However, many health professionals and facilities have yet to adopt these guidelines in Cambodia, impeding timely initiation progress and maternal-infant health goals.

Methods

This secondary data analysis used the 2014 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) data of 2,729 women who gave birth in the two years preceding the survey to examine the association between place of birth and timely breastfeeding initiation. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression were performed. Pairwise interaction terms between place of birth and each covariate were included in the regression model to examine the presence of multiplicative effect modification.

Results

The prevalence of timely breastfeeding initiation was 62.9 percent. Most women gave birth in public health facilities (72.8%) followed by private health facilities (15.9%) and at home (11.2%). The proportions of timely breastfeeding initiation differ by place of birth (p < 0.001). In the multivariable model, there was a significant interaction between place of birth and household wealth index and between place of birth and residence on timely initiation. Among women who reside in poor households, the odds of timely initiation were lower among women who gave birth at home compared to those who gave birth in public health facilities, adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 0.43 (0.21, 0.88). For urban settings, the odds of timely breastfeeding initiation were lower among women who gave birth in private health facilities compared to those who gave birth in public health facilities 0.52 (0.36, 0.75). For rural settings, the odds of timely breastfeeding initiation were lower among women who gave birth at home compared to those who gave birth in public health facilities 0.55 (0.31, 0.97).

Conclusions

Wealth index and residence moderated the association between place of birth and timely breastfeeding initiation in Cambodia. To improve breastfeeding outcomes and eliminate practices impeding timely initiation, breastfeeding advocacy programs need greater integration and follow-up in Cambodia’s health systems, including among home birth attendants and private health facilities.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13006-022-00496-3.

Factors Associated with Adequate Breastfeeding: Evidence from the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey, 2019

OBJECTIVE

To assess the factors associated with adequate breastfeeding (ABF) among Peruvian mothers during 2019.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of the 2019 Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) database of Peru. ABF was defined based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization, which defined it as starting breastfeeding within the first hour of life and continuing with exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months. To determine the factors associated with ABF, a Poisson generalized linear models with log-link function was used. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

A prevalence of ABF of 48.1% was identified among 11,157 women who reported at least one child in the last five years. Most of them were young (68.6%) and lived in urban areas (65.5%). Furthermore, being unemployed (aPR:1.02; 95% CI:1.00-1.04); residing on the coast, except for Metropolitan Lima (aPR:1.08; 95% CI:1.04-1.11), the highlands (aPR:1.14; 95% CI:1.11-1.18), and the jungle (aPR:1.20; 95% CI: 1.16-1.24); having had a vaginal delivery (aPR:1.30; 95% CI:1.27-1.05); and having two children (aPR:1.03; 95% CI:1.01-1.05) or three or more children (aPR:1.03; 95% CI:1.01-1.05) were associated with a higher frequency of ABF.

CONCLUSIONS

One out of two women between 18-59 with children performed ABF. The factors associated with ABF were the current occupation, region of residence, type of delivery, and parity. Health policies and strategies should be implemented, considering our results, to promote maternal counseling by health personnel in order to increase the prevalence of ABF in the Peruvian population.

Time trends in the prevalence and determinants of age-appropriate breast feeding among children aged 0-23 months in Ghana: a pooled analysis of population-based surveys, 2003-2017

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the sociodemographic and maternal-child characteristics associated with age-appropriate breast feeding among children aged 0-23 months in Ghana.

METHODS

We pooled data on 12 743 children aged 0-23 months from three Demographic and Health Surveys (2003, 2008 and 2014) and three Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (2006, 2011 and 2017-2018). The outcome was age-appropriate breast feeding from birth to 23 months, with age-appropriate breast feeding defined as exclusive breast feeding at 0-5 months (ie, at less than 6 months) and breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding at 6-23 months. Potential determinants were maternal-child sociodemographic, obstetric and healthcare factors. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with age-appropriate breast feeding. We accounted for the complex sampling design of the cross-sectional surveys in the analysis.

RESULTS

Most children aged 0-3 months were exclusively breastfed. Among children aged 4-5 months, the most common feeding pattern was breastfeeding alongside water and/or solid foods. Exclusive breastfeeding prevalence in children less than 6 months peaked in 2008 at 62.8% and declined to 42.9% in 2017. For 6-11 month olds, the percentage experiencing age-appropriate breast feeding has been stable over the last four surveys, ranging from 79.3% in 2008 to 81.1% in 2017. Age-appropriate breast feeding in 12-23 month olds declined from 77.8% in 2003 to 61.2% in 2017. Rural residence, younger age, non-facility births and multiple births were associated with decreased odds of exclusively breast feeding. For 6-11 month olds, age-appropriate breast feeding was less likely if the woman did not receive postnatal care. Younger age, being unmarried, high income, wanting a child later and earlier birth order were associated with decreased odds of age-appropriate breast feeding in 12-23 month olds.

CONCLUSION

Ghanaian children are now less likely to be exclusively breastfed than they were a decade ago. To succeed, breastfeeding promotion programmes should adopt approaches that address the predictors of suboptimal breast feeding at each age, as identified in this study.

Determinants of Delayed Initiation of Breastfeeding: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates

One of the best practices to reduce the risk of infant morbidity and mortality is the early initiation of breastfeeding, specifically within the first hour of birth, as the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends. Limited data exist on breastfeeding initiation and its related factors in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). Therefore, the purpose of this research study was to evaluate and analyze the determinant factors associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding among mothers with children aged <2 years old in a cross-sectional multicenter setting in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. Seven governmental community and healthcare centers participated in the study from diverse geographic areas of Abu Dhabi. A trained female research assistant collected information from mothers with young children attending the centers. All participants were informed in detail about the purpose of the study and signed a written consent form. A total of 1610 mother−child pairs were included in the study. The mean (standard deviation) of maternal age and children’s age was 30.1 (5.1) years and 8.1 (5.9) months, respectively. Six hundred and four (604) (37.5%) reported delayed initiation of breastfeeding. Factors associated with delayed breastfeeding initiation were being of non-Arab nationality (adjusted odds ratio (A.O.R.) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.63), caesarean section (AOR 2.85, 95% CI 2.26, 3.58), non-rooming-in (AOR 2.82, 95% CI 1.53, 5.21), first birth order (AOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07, 1.69), and mothers with low-birth-weight children (AOR 3.30, 95% CI 2.18, 4.99) as was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, approximately four out of ten mothers delayed initiation of breastfeeding for more than one hour after delivery. The results of this study call for urgent policy changes to improve the early initiation rates of breastfeeding mothers in the U.A.E.

Quality newborn care in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea: measuring early newborn care practices and identifying opportunities for improvement

BACKGROUND

Renewed attention and investment is needed to improve the quality of care during the early newborn period to address preventable newborn deaths and stillbirths in Papua New Guinea (PNG). We aimed to assess early newborn care practices and identify opportunities for improvement in one province (East New Britain) in PNG.

METHODS

A mixed-methods study was undertaken in five rural health facilities in the province using a combination of facility audits, labour observations and qualitative interviews with women and maternity providers. Data collection took place between September 2019 and February 2020. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, whilst qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Data were triangulated by data source.

RESULTS

Five facility audits, 30 labour observations (in four of the facilities), and interviews with 13 women and eight health providers were conducted to examine early newborn care practices. We found a perinatal mortality rate of 32.2 perinatal deaths per 1000 total births and several barriers to quality newborn care, including an insufficient workforce, critical infrastructure and utility constraints, and limited availability of essential newborn medicines and equipment. Most newborns received at least one essential newborn care practice in the first hour of life, such as immediate and thorough drying (97%).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed high rates of essential newborn care practices including immediate skin-to-skin and delayed cord clamping. We also identified multiple barriers to improving the quality of newborn care in East New Britain, PNG. These findings can inform the development of effective interventions to improve the quality of newborn care. Further, this study demonstrates that multi-faceted programs that include increased investment in the health workforce, education and training, and availability of essential equipment, medicines, and supplies are required to improve newborn outcomes.

Breastfeeding in infants seen in private pediatric practices and its relation with type of delivery and history of prematurity

OBJECTIVE

To describe the type of milk used to feed infants seen in private pediatric practices in Brazil. To evaluate the relationship between breastfeeding, type of delivery, and history of prematurity.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional and observational study that included 4929 infants in the first year of life seen in private pediatric practices in the five geographic regions of Brazil. Mothers provided information about the type of milk used by their infant, the type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean), and whether the birth was premature.

RESULTS

Breastfeeding was the only source of milk for 56.1% (1546/2755) of infants in the first six months of life and 32.9% (716/2174) in the second. Of the infants who received other types of milk besides breastfeeding, there was a predominance of infant formula in 98.6% and 93.8% of the infants, respectively, in the first and in the second six months of life. Whole cow's milk was used by 0.7% (20/2755) of infants in the first six months and by 4.1% (90/2174) of infants in the second (p < 0.001). In the first six months of life, breastfeeding as the only type of milk was associated with vaginal delivery (OR = 1.79; p < 0.001) and not having a history of prematurity (OR = 2.48; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Breastfeeding was the only milk source for more than half of infants before 180 days of life. Birth by cesarean section and history of prematurity were negatively associated with breastfeeding as the only source of milk used in infant feeding.

Magnitude e características dos nascimentos termo tardio e pós-termo e complicações maternas e neonatais no Brasil, 2011

Este estudo analisou o nascimento termo tardio e pós-termo, avaliando o perfil materno, suas características e as complicações maternas e neonatais. Foram selecionados 23.610 bebês do estudo Nascer no Brasil (2011), sendo realizada uma análise descritiva da população de estudo. A associação entre o nascimento termo tardio e pós-termo e seus desfechos foi efetuada pela utilização de regressões logísticas (valor de p < 0,05). A prevalência encontrada foi de 7,4% para o termo tardio e de 2,5% para o pós-termo, tendo ambos sido mais frequentes nas regiões Norte e Nordeste, em adolescentes, mulheres negras, de baixa escolaridade, multíparas, atendidas no setor público. As gestações termo tardio tiveram maior chance de indução do parto vaginal (OR = 2,02; IC95%: 1,67-2,45), de cesariana (OR = 1,32; IC95%: 1,16-1,52), de laceração grave (OR = 3,75; IC95%: 1,36-10,36) e de uso oxigenoterapia para os recém-nascidos (OR = 1,52; IC95%: 1,02-2,26). Nas gestações pós-termo, os recém-nascidos tiveram menor chance de amamentação ao nascer (OR = 0,74; IC95%: 0,56-0,97) e durante a hospitalização (OR = 0,62; IC95%: 0,40-0,97) e maior chance de nascerem pequenos para a idade gestacional (OR = 4,01; IC95%: 2,83-5,70). Os resultados utilizando somente a ultrassonografia como medida da idade gestacional confirmaram os achados anteriores. Gestações termo tardio e pós-termo ocorrem com maior frequência nas regiões Norte e Nordeste e em mulheres com maior vulnerabilidade social, associando-se a complicações maternas e neonatais.

Effect of antenatal depression on the initiation of breastfeeding in South Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A population-based prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Delayed initiation of breastfeeding has been found to increase early neonatal morbidity, mortality, and impaired mother-infant bonding. However, there is no study that revealed the effect of antenatal depression on breastfeeding initiation in Ethiopia. This study aimed to see the effect of antenatal depression on the practice of initiation of breastfeeding among women in urban Ethiopia.

METHODS

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was administered to 970 women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy to screen for antenatal depression. Information was collected on initiation of breastfeeding of newborns and mother's socio-demographic, obstetric, clinical, psychosocial, and behavioral factors. A logistic regression model was used to adjust for the confounders and determine association between antenatal depression and initiation of breastfeeding.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of late initiation of breastfeeding (LIBF) was found to be 166 (18.34%). The cumulative incidence of LIBF in those born from depressed pregnant women was 37% as compared to 8.4% in nondepressed. Antenatal depression at the second and third trimester of pregnancy remained a potential predictor of late initiation of breastfeeding after adjusting for potential confounders (AOR = 6.42: (95% CI 3.72, 11.05)). A significant association was also seen between infants who were born by cesarean section, a complication of current pregnancy, inadequate ANC follow-up, lack of advice about the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), home delivery, and low quartile of wealth index and late initiation of breastfeeding.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that screening for antenatal depression can help to identify women at risk for late initiation of breastfeeding. Health care providers shall have to give emphasis on the treatment of antenatal depression to benefit both the mother and the physical health, growth, and development of the fetus.

Human milk microbes: Strategies to improve delivery to the infant

Mother's own milk provides personalized nutrition and immune protection to the developing infant. The presence of healthy microbes plays an important role in the infant's gut by programming the microbiota and excluding potential pathogens. This review describes the important components in mother's own milk that contribute to its superiority for infant nutrition and suggest potential strategies to replicate these factors in alternative feedings when sufficient milk is unavailable. Current strategies to supplement, substitute and replicate mother's own milk including microbial restoration, use of unpasteurized donor human milk, probiotics and fortification are discussed. Critical work remains to be done in understanding the human milk microbiome and metabolome and in improving lactation support for mothers of preterm infants. Increasing delivery of mother's own milk and milk components to infants would likely positively impact infant mortality and health worldwide.

Factors Associated with Delayed Initiation and Cessation of Breastfeeding Among Working Mothers in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates

INTRODUCTION

Despite the enormous benefits of breastfeeding, working mothers face more challenges to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations regarding successful breastfeeding practices. Little research has been done to understand the breastfeeding practices among working mothers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with delayed initiation and cessation of breastfeeding among working mothers with children under the age of two years in Abu Dhabi, the UAE.

METHODS

A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted from March to September 2017. The study included both Emirati and non-Emirati mothers of children below the age of two years. The data were collected from seven government health care centers in Abu Dhabi as well as from the community. Mothers with young children attending the centers during the study days were approached by trained research assistants, who provided oral and written information about the study.

RESULTS

Among the 1610 mother-child pairs with complete data who were included in this study, 606 were working mothers giving an employment rate of 37.6%. The mean (standard deviation) of maternal age and children's age were 30.9 (5.1) years and 8.6 (6.1) months, respectively. Of the 606 mothers, 217 (35.8%) delayed initiation of breastfeeding, and 359 (59.2%) ceased breastfeeding. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, factors associated with delayed breastfeeding initiation among working mothers were older mother age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]1.01, 1.08), being of non-Arab nationality (AOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.53, 3.27), caesarean section (AOR 2.70, 95% CI 1.84, 3.96), non-rooming-in (AOR 3.85, 95% CI 1.56, 9.51) and mothers with low birth weight children (AOR 2.47, 95% CI 1.23, 4.94). The main factors associated with cessation of breastfeeding were being of non-Arab nationality (AOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.09, 2.31) and mother with high-income rating (AOR 2.79, 95% CI 1.36, 5.75).

CONCLUSION

The study highlighted the need for urgent actions to improve the working mothers' conditions in order to promote optimal breastfeeding practices, including both early initiation and continuation of breastfeeding among all mothers in the UAE regardless of employment status. Policies to improve EBF rates among professional working mothers should include maternity leave extension to enable mothers to continue breastfeeding.

The effect of maternal depressive symptoms on infant feeding practices in rural Ethiopia: community based birth cohort study

BACKGROUND

Maternal depression and other psychosocial factors have been shown to have adverse consequences on infant feeding practices. This study explored the longitudinal relationship of maternal depressive symptoms and other selected psychosocial factors with infant feeding practices (IFPs) in rural Ethiopia using summary IFP index.

METHODS

This study uses existing data from the ENGINE birth cohort study, conducted from March 2014 to March 2016 in three districts in the southwest of Ethiopia. A total of 4680 pregnant women were recruited and data were collected once during pregnancy (twice for those in the first trimester), at birth, and then every 3 months until the child was 12 months old. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data on IFPs, maternal depressive symptoms, household food insecurity, intimate partner violence (IPV), maternal social support, active social participation, and other sociodemographic variables. A composite measure of IFP index was computed using 14 WHO recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practice indicators. High IFP index indicated best practice. Prenatal and postnatal maternal depressive symptoms were assessed using the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). Linear multilevel mixed effects model was fitted to assess longitudinal relationship of IFPs with maternal depression and other psychosocial factors.

RESULTS

Reports of higher postnatal depressive symptoms (ß = - 1.03, P = 0.001) and IPV (ß = - 0.21, P = 0.001) were associated with lower scores on the IFP index. Whereas, reports of better maternal social support (ß = 0.11, P = 0.002) and active social participation (ß = 0.55, P < 0.001) were associated with higher scores on the IFP index. Contrary to expectations, moderate household food insecurity (ß = 0.84, P = 0.003), severe household food insecurity (ß = 1.03, P = 0.01) and infant morbidity episodes (ß = 0.63, P = 0.013) were associated with higher scores on the IFP index.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, a multitude of factors are related to IFPs and hence coordinated, multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder interventions including maternal depressive symptoms screening and management are needed to improve infant feeding practices.

Factors associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding in health facilities: secondary analysis of Bangladesh demographic and health survey 2014

BACKGROUND

Irrespective of the place and mode of delivery, 'delayed' initiation of breastfeeding beyond the first hour of birth can negatively influence maternal and newborn health outcomes. In Bangladesh, 49% of newborns initiate breastfeeding after the first hour. The rate is higher among deliveries at a health facility (62%). This study investigates the maternal, health service, infant, and household characteristics associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding among health facility deliveries in Bangladesh.

METHODS

We used data from the 2014 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. We included 1277 last-born children born at a health facility in the 2 years preceding the survey. 'Delayed' breastfeeding was defined using WHO recommendations as initiating after 1 h of birth. We performed univariate and multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with delayed initiation.

RESULTS

About three-fifth (n = 785, 62%) of the children born at a health facility delayed initiation of breastfeeding beyond 1 h. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found delayed initiation to be common among women, who delivered by caesarean section (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 2.93; 95% CI 2.17, 3.98), and who were exposed to media less than once a week (aOR: 1.53; 95% CI 1.07, 2.19). Women with a higher body mass index had an increased likelihood of delaying initiation (aOR: 1.05; 95% CI 1.01, 1.11). Multiparous women were less likely to delay (aOR: 0.71; 95% CI 0.53, 0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed initiation of breastfeeding following caesarean deliveries continues to be a challenge, but several other health facility and maternal factors also contributed to delayed initiation. Interventions to promote early breastfeeding should include strengthening the capacity of healthcare providers to encourage early initiation, especially for caesarean deliveries.

Barriers and support to exclusive breastfeeding in Sukoharjo district, Central Java province, Indonesia: a qualitative study

Purpose

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child's life. However, while the national coverage was 61.33%, the coverage in Sukoharjo was 39.33%. Effective intervention is needed to promote the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, and this requires knowledge of the barriers and support structures in place. This study analyzed the supports and barriers of exclusive breastfeeding in Sukoharjo, Central Java, Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study used in-depth interviews conducted from December 2017 to March 2018. The population consisted of 33 informants (29 mothers with babies over six months of age, a pregnant mother, two midwives working in the community health center and a staff member in the district health department).

Findings

There were barriers to and support for exclusive breastfeeding in Sukoharjo, Central Java province, Indonesia. The district already has support systems in place, while the barriers emerge from society, the baby's condition, environmental and other sources. The government has tried to overcome the barriers.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study was that the triangulation method was not utilized. However, the use of various informants strengthened the findings.

Practical implications

The district government, especially the health department, needs to establish a program to evaluate existing exclusive breastfeeding support programs thoroughly. Smarter and more comprehensive interventions may be needed, for example, by integrating various supports into one activity. For researchers, the findings of this study imply that they can conduct experimental community research using the framework of the two aforementioned theories of behavior change. For example, investigation of combining the support of trained peers with the presence of family members such as the grandmothers of the babies. If both types of support are conducted concurrently, it may strengthen support and reduce barriers from either inside or outside the home.

Social implications

The district government, especially the health department, needs to establish a program to evaluate existing exclusive breastfeeding support programs thoroughly. Smarter and more comprehensive interventions may be needed, for example, by integrating various supports into one activity. For researchers, the findings of this study imply that they can conduct experimental community research using the framework of the two aforementioned theories of behavior change. For example, investigation of combining the support of trained peers with the presence of family members such as the grandmothers of the babies. If both types of support are conducted concurrently, it may strengthen support and reduce barriers from either inside or outside the home.

Originality/value

There are barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in Sukoharjo, but the government has made effective attempts to overcome them. The support systems in place were in line with the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and social cognitive theory (SCT).

Higher educational and economic status are key factors for the timely initiation of breastfeeding in Ethiopia: A review and meta-analysis

AIM

To investigate the association between initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour after birth (TIBF) and maternal educational status, paternal educational status, household income, marital status, media exposure and parity in Ethiopia.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, CINAHL and WHO Global health library databases. All studies were conducted in Ethiopia and published from 2000 to 2019 were included. To obtain the pooled odds ratio (OR), data were fitted in random-effects meta-analysis model. Statistical heterogeneity was quantified using Cochran's Q test, τ² and I² statistics. This meta-analytic review was reported in compliance with the PRISMA statement.

RESULTS

Out of 553 studies retrieved, 25 fulfilled our inclusion criteria. High maternal educational status (P < .001), paternal educational status (P = .001) and household income (P = .002), being married (P = .001) and multiparity (P = .01) were significantly associated with TIBF. There was no significant publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis showed that TIBF was associated with high educational and economic status, being married and multiparity. This suggests that the meta-analysis detected small associations that many previous studies in Ethiopia have not been able to show. Our findings can be useful for comparisons with other countries.

Duration of Breastfeeding and Maternal-Related Factors in Iran, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Although the benefits of breastfeeding are commonly approved, there remains a significant discrepancy between maternal practices and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in some countries.

OBJECTIVES

We had two aims in this study; average duration of breastfeeding, and its maternal determinants.

DATA SOURCES

A web-based citation index was used for citing documents.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND PARTICIPANTS

We included observational studies evaluating breastfeeding duration among children who were at least two years old and not older than five were included in Iran.

SYNTHESIS METHODS

The pooled mean and mean differences were considered. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I² statistic.

RESULTS

The pooled mean of breastfeeding duration was calculated at 17.31 months. Children with younger mothers and lower birth orders had shorter durations of breastfeeding. Women with a high school and higher education level had early cessation of breastfeeding in comparison with less educated women.

LIMITATIONS

The main limitation of the current study was lack of librarian assistance.

CONCLUSIONS

The pooled mean of breastfeeding duration in Iranian children aged 2-5 was less than WHO recommendations. Accurate identification of the effect a mother's level of education has on duration of lactation requires standardized categorization.

IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS

Raising awareness among women can be an effective strategy in increasing the duration of lactation.

Effects of elective cesarean sections on perinatal outcomes and care practices

Abstract Objectives: to verify the effects of elective cesarean sections on perinatal outcomes and care practices, as compared to vaginal deliveries. Methods: cohort study with 591 mothers and their babies, developed in a medium-sized city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected from hospital records and by interviews at the neonatal screening unit in the city from July 2015 to February 2016. Data regarding childbirth, newborns, sociodemography, and current gestational history were obtained from each mother. The associations of interest were evaluated with Cox regression analyses adjusted for the covariates identified through the results of bivariate analyses presenting a statistical significance level ofp<0.20. In adjusted analyzes, relationships were considered significant ifp<0.05, with relative risk being considered as the measure of effect. Results: if compared to women who had vaginal deliveries, those who were submitted to elective cesarean sections were at a higher risk of not having skin-to-skin contact with their babies in the delivery room, of not breastfeeding in the first hour of life, and of having their babies hospitalized in a neonatal unit. Conclusions: reducing the number of elective cesarean sections is essential to foster good neonatal care practices and reduce negative neonatal outcomes.

[A quantitative and qualitative study of exclusive breastfeeding intention by high-risk pregnant women]

The scope of this research was to assess the breastfeeding intention among high-risk pregnant women and related factors. It is a cross-sectional, qualitative and quantitative study, with 1,118 high-risk pregnant women who attended the prenatal care unit at a specialized center of the Unified Health System. The dependent variables were exclusive breastfeeding intention, intended duration and conditions that might interfere with breastfeeding. The Epi Info 7.4.1, Bioestat 5.3 and IRAMUTEQ 0.7.2.0 programs were used for data processing. The results showed that 8.76% of the pregnant women had conditions that could affect lactation. Among the women, 93.83% affirmed having exclusive breastfeeding intention, of which 69.86% intended to breastfeed until the child was six months old, revealing an association with sociodemographic variables (p<0.05). The intended breastfeeding duration was related to the age (p=0.0041), marital status (p=0.0053) and level of education (p=0.0116). The main reasons reported for not providing exclusive breastfeeding were the following: HIV, use of medications, work and lack of information. This research concluded that a small cohort of high-risk pregnant women presented conditions that could interfere with breastfeeding. Most of them intended to breastfeed exclusively for six months.

A mixed-methods systematic review on barriers to exclusive breastfeeding

INTRODUCTION

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for every newborn during the first 6 months of life, yet women come across various challenges to continuing it.

AIM

This systematic review was intended to identify barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among mothers.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied health literature, ProQuest, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched from January 1990 to October 2017. The systematic review included quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies to identify barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of reproductive age with an infant aged between 0 and 12 months. All studies were screened based on titles, abstracts and full text by two reviewers independently. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using appropriate tools. Of the 9737 eligible records, 44 studies were included for analysis. Classification of barriers to exclusive breastfeeding was adopted from the conceptual framework of factors affecting breastfeeding practices given by Hector and colleagues.

RESULTS

In total 32 barriers were grouped under individual, group and society level factors. Meta-analysis indicated that mothers who smoked had 2.49 times more odds of not exclusively breastfeeding than non-smoking mothers and mothers who had undergone caesarean section had 1.69 times more risk of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding than mothers who have had a vaginal childbirth.

CONCLUSION

The systematic review revealed a complex interplay of various barriers related to exclusive breastfeeding. It is recommended that context-specific strategies should be designed in accordance with barriers existing in a region or country.

Breastfeeding in the First Hours of Life Protects Against Pacifier Use: A Birth Cohort Study

Objective: To investigate risk factors for pacifier use in the first year of life. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted with children enrolled at birth in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, whose mothers underwent prenatal care at primary care units. Soon after the birth of the children, data were collected on anthropometrics, type of childbirth, and time until breastfeeding on the first day of life. At 6 and 12 months of age, data were collected on breastfeeding practices and whether the child had used a pacifier in the previous 6 months. Statistical analysis involved the use of Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: The incidence of pacifier use in the first year of life was 60% (317/532). The multivariable analysis showed that pacifier use in the first year of life was 33% higher when the mother was younger than 18 years of age (relative risk [RR] = 1.33; confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.01-1.76). Infants who breastfed in the first 30 minutes after birth had a 25% lower risk of pacifier use in the first year of life (RR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60-0.94), and those who breastfed between 30 minutes and 6 hours after birth had an 18% lower risk (RR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69-0.97) compared to those who took longer to begin breastfeeding or did not breastfeed. Conclusions for Practice: Breastfeeding soon after being born protected against pacifier use in the first year of life. This finding suggests pathways to improve child health, especially in the prenatal period and with an emphasis on pregnant adolescents.

Association Between Intrapartum Factors and the Time to Breastfeeding Initiation

Background/Objectives: Early breastfeeding initiation is strongly recommended. Reasons for delayed breastfeeding initiation often include intrapartum interventions such as induction of labor, opioid pain medication administration, epidural analgesia, and caesarean birth. The majority of existing studies examining the timeliness of breastfeeding initiation are from low- or middle-income countries. The objective of this study is to examine intrapartum interventions on the time to breastfeeding initiation in a cohort of mothers from a high-income country. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 1,277 new mothers was recruited within 24 hours after birth from 4 hospitals in Hong Kong from 2011 to 2012. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire immediately after recruitment. The rates of intrapartum interventions and the time to the first breastfeed were collected from participants' hospital record. Results: Among participants, 575 (45.5%) initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth and the median time to the first breastfeed was 1.5 hours. The use of opioid pain medication (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67-0.91), assisted vaginal birth (aHR: 0.74, 95% CI 0.56-0.97), and caesarean section (aHR: 0.30, 95% CI 0.25-0.36) were associated with delayed breastfeeding, whereas epidural analgesia and induction of labor had no effect on breastfeeding initiation. Natural birth (i.e., no intrapartum interventions) was also significantly associated with early breastfeeding initiation (aHR: 1.75, 95% CI 1.54-1.99). Conclusions: Breastfeeding initiation was delayed in participants who had a caesarean birth and who received opioid pain medication. These women may require additional support to initiate breastfeeding soon after birth.

Social support modifies the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index and breastfeeding initiation in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Many biological, social and cultural barriers for suboptimal breastfeeding practices have been identified in literature. Among these, excessive pre-pregnancy weight has been identified as a risk factor for not initiating breastfeeding early. Social support, coming from social networks (e.g. a partner, family or friends) or health care providers, has been positively associated with breastfeeding. This study aimed to examine the association between pre-pregnancy excessive weight and breastfeeding within the first hour after birth and if social support modifies this association.

DESIGN

National population-based study conducted with 21,086 postpartum women from February 1, 2011 to October 31, 2012 in 266 hospitals from all five regions of Brazil. Social support was defined as having a companion at the hospital. Main effects and interactions were tested with multivariable regression analyses.

RESULTS

Multivariate regression analyses indicated that class I and class II obese women had lower odds of breastfeeding within the first hour when a companion was not present (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.42-0.82 and AOR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.36-0.97, respectively), but there was no association when the companion was present. Among overweight and obese women, the predicted probability of breastfeeding within the first hour was lower for those without a companion. This association was not found among those with normal pre-pregnancy BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Social support modifies the relationship between pre-gestational BMI and breastfeeding initiation among women who are overweight or obese, specifically it reduces the risk of delayed breastfeeding initiation.

Caesarean Section Delivery and Risk of Poor Childhood Growth

BACKGROUND

Though emerging evidence indicates caesarean section (CS) brings about late initiation of breastfeeding, early cessation of breastfeeding, and a higher risk of developing obesity, little is documented on the association between CS birth and stunted growth. This study assessed caesarean section delivery and the risk of poor postnatal childhood growth.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study design was used to collect the requisite data on a sample of 528 mothers having children between the ages of 6 to 24 months. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data.

RESULTS

After controlling for potential confounding factors, linear growth as measured by height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) was significantly higher by 0.121 standard units in children born through normal vaginal delivery, compared to their counterparts born through caesarean section (beta coefficients (β) = 0.121, p=0.002). The mode of delivery also had a statistically significant impact on infant feeding practices. Whereas 70.4% of babies delivered via vagina initiated breastfeeding within one hour of delivery, only 52.7% of babies born through CS did the same. Vaginally delivered babies were 2.1 times more likely to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of delivery ((Crude odds ratio (COR) = 2.13, p < 0.001). Compared to CS babies, vaginally delivered babies were 3.2 times more likely not to have been fed with prelacteal feeds such as water and sugar solutions. Vagina delivered babies were 1.8 times more likely to receive adequate neonatal feeding than their counterparts who were delivered through CS (COR = 1.76, p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

This study has found an association between CS delivery and stunting, an adverse outcome that clinicians and patients should weigh when considering in particular elective CS that seeks to avoid the pain associated with a vaginal birth.

Gender inequality in early initiation of breastfeeding in Bangladesh: a trend analysis

Background

Early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour after birth is essential for newborns, because it reduces risk of neonatal mortality and hypothermia to a great extent and also helps in preventing the long-term chronic diseases and in increasing energy and immunity to newborn. In order to reach the ‘very good state’ of timely or early initiation of breastfeeding recommended by WHO, Bangladesh needs to increase the current rate of 51.24 to 100%. An attempt has been made in this study to examine how the early breastfeeding practice changes among male and female children with time controlling the factors associated with this practice.

Methods

Data from last four consecutive Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS) have been used in the study. The participants were included whose child born within the last 5 years preceding the surveys of 2004, 2007 and 2011, and within the last 3 years preceding the survey of 2014 in the study and the respective selected participants were 5145, 4765, 7099 and 4370. To conduct the trend analysis, the descriptive statistics of selected variables along with prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding have been computed by different years and a multiple logistic regression model has been fitted to the pooled dataset of 2004–2014 considering survey years as time.

Results

Rate of early initiation of breastfeeding increased as time progressed and it was faster for female child compared to male child. For example, female children were significantly 10 and 6% less likely to be initiated early than their counterparts in 2004 and 2007, respectively; whereas after 2007 both male and female children were equally treated for breastfeeding practice. It was also found that rate of early initiation significantly increased for one unit increased in survey year and this increasing rate was higher for female child compared to male child. For example, for one unit of increased in survey year, the early initiation of breastfeeding increased by 60% for male child and by 67% for female child. Besides, survey time, gender, education of parents, wanted index child, mode of delivery, antenatal care visits, wealth index, exposure to media and division were found to have potential influence on early initiation of breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Demographic and health surveys conducted in Bangladesh since 2011 have shown no evidence of gender discrimination regarding timely initiation of breastfeeding. In order to achieve the target rate of early initiation of breastfeeding recommended by WHO, it requires to take effective intervention regarding maternal and child health education.

Professional who attended childbirth and breastfeeding in the first hour of life

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between the professionals who attended vaginal delivery and breastfeeding in the first hour of life.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study with data from the Nascer no Brasil (Born in Brazil) survey, conducted in the 2011-2012 period. Data from 8,466 puerperae were analyzed using a logistic regression model with a hierarchical approach.

RESULTS

The proportion of mothers who breastfed at birth was higher in deliveries attended by nurses (70%). A nurse-assisted delivery was 64% more likely to breastfeed in the first hour of life. Other factors associated with the outcome: residing in the North; age less than 35 years; multiparity; prenatal guidance on breastfeeding in the first hour of life; birth at Baby-Friendly Hospital; companion at birth; and female newborn.

CONCLUSIONS

Obstetrician nurse/nurse-assisted delivery was a significant independent factor associated with breastfeeding in the first hour of life, suggesting the importance of strengthening the role of the obstetrician nurse.

Relationship between caesarean section and breastfeeding: evidence from the 2013 Turkey demographic and health survey

Background

The mode of delivery influences breastfeeding practices. High rates of caesarean section and low breastfeeding rates are important public health concerns for all developing countries. This study aimed to determine the relationship between caesarean section and early breastfeeding practices among primiparae.

Methods

Data for primiparae with a singleton birth (N = 777) obtained from the 2013 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey were used in this retrospective cohort study. Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of delivery and exclusive breastfeeding during the first three days following birth were evaluated. Standardised incidence rates and standardised rate ratios of non-early initiation of breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding were calculated according to the mode of delivery.

Results

The late initiation of breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding incidence rates were 42.7 and 41.0%, respectively. The standardised incidence rate of late initiation of breastfeeding among women with vaginal delivery was 35.34%, versus 50.49% among those with caesarean delivery. The standardised rate ratios for late initiation of breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding were 1.428 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.212–1.683) and 1.468 (95% CI: 1.236–1.762), respectively. Women who underwent caesarean section had a higher risk of late initiation of breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding during the three days following delivery, after controlling for sociodemographic and delivery-related factors.

Conclusions

This study provides useful evidence for the implementation of strategies to prevent unnecessary caesarean sections, which negatively affect not only maternal health but also neonatal health. The promotion of mother-friendly policies by healthcare institutions, implemented in a baby-friendly manner, is essential.

Determinants of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding among Mothers of Children Aged Less than 24 Months in Northwestern Romania

Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), defined as putting newborns to the breast within 1 h of birth, may have important benefits for both infant and mother. The aim of this study was to assess EIBF practices and its determinants in northwestern Romania. This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2019, based on a sample of 1399 mothers of children aged less than 24 months. The sample was recruited from the community, from 29 cities and 41 communes distributed across the six counties of the northwestern region of Romania. Mothers responded by face-to-face interviews to a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with EIBF. Only 24.3% of the mothers initiated breastfeeding within 1 h of birth. Delivering at a private hospital (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.87, 6.91), vaginal delivery (AOR: 4.39, 95% CI 3.29, 5.88), mother–newborn skin-to-skin contact for 1 h or more (AOR: 55.6, 95% CI 23.0, 134.2), and breastfeeding counseling during antenatal visits (AOR: 1.48, 95% CI 1.12, 1.97) were factors associated with increased likelihood of EIBF. Overall, the practice of EIBF was poor. Targeting modifiable factors associated with EIBF may be used to improve early initiation practice.

Impact of Maternal Smoking on the Onset of Breastfeeding versus Formula Feeding: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study sought to estimate the prevalence of maternal smoking and its association with exclusive breastfeeding vs. formula feeding. A cross-sectional study was performed on postpartum women at a public hospital in Spain, between January and August 2018. The main variables studied were their age, level of study, smoking habits, and chosen mode of infant feeding. In total, 948 postpartum women were included. Of these, 12.45% were smokers who smoked a mean of 7.23 cigarettes/day. Among the group of smokers, the probability of feeding the newborns with formula milk was multiplied by 2.32 ([95%CI 1.50-3.58] p < 0.001). When stratifying tobacco use into mild, moderate and severe, we found a statistically significant dose-response pattern. These associations and their statistical significance were maintained when adjusting by age and level of study. In conclusion, in the group of postpartum mothers who smoked, the probability of feeding the newborns with formula milk doubled. Our data highlight the need to improve health education programs in women of childbearing age, especially during pregnancy.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Caesarean Section and its Impact on Early Initiation of Breastfeeding in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the early initiation of breastfeeding. Research shows that factors such as mode of delivery may interfere with the early initiation of breastfeeding. However, data in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on these findings is limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of caesarean sections (CSs) and evaluate their effect on breastfeeding initiation among mothers of children under the age of two years in Abu Dhabi. Data were collected in clinical and non-clinical settings across various geographical areas in Abu Dhabi during 2017 using consent and structured questionnaires for interviews with mothers. Data analysis included both descriptive and inferential statistics. Among the 1624 participants, one-third (30.2%) reportedly delivered by CS, of which 71.1% were planned, while 28.9% were emergency CS. More than half of all mothers (62.5%) initiated early breastfeeding. Multivariable logistic regression indicated factors that were associated positively with CS included advanced maternal age, nationality, and obesity. However, gestational age (GA) was negatively associated with CS. This study shows that the prevalence of CS is high in Abu Dhabi, UAE. CS is associated with lower early initiation rates of breastfeeding. The early initiation rates of breastfeeding were 804 (79.2%) 95% confidence interval (CI) (76.4, 82.0), 162 (16.0%) 95% CI (10.4, 21.6), and 49 (4.8%) 95% CI (1.2, 10.8) among vaginal delivery, planned CS, and emergency CS, respectively. Regarding the mode of delivery, vaginal were 2.78 (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR)): CI (95%), (2.17–3.56, p < 0.001) times more likely related to an early initiation of breastfeeding. CS in general, and emergency CS, was the main risk factor for the delayed initiation of breastfeeding. The study provides valuable information to develop appropriate strategies to reduce the CS rate in UAE. Maternal literacy on CS choices, the importance of breastfeeding for child health, and additional guidance for mothers and their families are necessary to achieve better breastfeeding outcomes.

Association of Assisted Reproductive Techniques with Infant Feeding Practices: A Community-Based Study in China

Background: With births generated with assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) increasingly, the effect of ARTs on infant feeding behaviors is an essential topic to explore. However, limited literature focused on this topic. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of ARTs on infant feeding behaviors. Materials and Methods: Participants, including 41 mothers who conceived with ARTs and 935 conceived spontaneously, were drawn from a prospective birth cohort between January 2015 and December 2015. The participants were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 8, and 12 months postpartum at their residences through a face-to-face interview. Feeding behaviors, including breastfeeding initiation, partial/exclusive breastfeeding duration and formula introduction were assessed using World Health Organization-recommended definitions. Cox and logistic regression models were applied to examine the association of assisted conception with feeding behaviors. Results: Breastfeeding initiation rates were comparable between women who conceived with and without ARTs (70.7% versus 76.0%). Breastfeeding duration and formula introduction were significantly shorter and earlier in assisted conceptions in univariate analyses at 6 months postpartum [crude hazard ratios (HRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 2.02 (1.03-3.84), and 1.63 (1.09-2.44)]. However, after controlling for covariates, assisted conception was only associated with shorter breastfeeding duration at 6 months postpartum [adjusted HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.05-3.80], no significant differences were found in infant feeding outcomes at 12 months postpartum among women with ART conception versus general conception. Mothers who conceived through ARTs with cesarean deliveries were at the highest risks of shorter breastfeeding duration and earlier formula introduction than mothers who conceived spontaneously with vaginal deliveries. Conclusions: Mothers who conceive through ARTs are associated with shorter breastfeeding durations for the first 6 months, compare to mothers who conceive spontaneously. Furthermore, cesarean delivery has a joint effect with the treatment of ARTs on promoting the development of poor feeding behaviors.

Early initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors among mothers of aged less than 12 months children in rural eastern zone, Tigray, Ethiopia: cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to assess early initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors among mothers of aged less than 12 months children in the rural eastern zone, Tigray, Ethiopia.

RESULTS

Totally 803 mother-child pairs were participated in this study with a response rate of 99.25%. Out of this, 787 mothers had ever breastfed their children. Four hundred eighty-seven (61.9%) mothers initiated breastfeeding within 1 h after they gave birth. Mothers having an educational status of primary education were about 2 times more likely to initiate breastfeeding within 1 h of birth [AOR: 1.99, 95% CI 1.36-2.92] and those mothers having secondary education and above were 3.23 times more likely to start breastfeeding [AOR = 3.23, 95% CI 1.99-5.26]. Mothers who had mistimed pregnancy were 58% less likely to initiate breastfeeding within 1 h of birth [AOR: 0.42, 95% CI 0.27-0.65]. On the other hand, mothers who had delivered their child vaginally were 4.6 times more likely to start early initiation of breast feeding [AOR: 4.59, 95% CI 1.99-10.56].

Determinants of early breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding in Colombia

OBJECTIVE

To identify modifiable risk factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in Colombia.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study from the 2010 Colombia nationally representative Demographic Health Survey (DHS). Studied exposures were categorized into five hierarchical blocks of increasing proximity to the outcomes: household, maternal, health systems, child, and early feeding characteristics. The two outcomes examined were delayed breastfeeding initiation among infants <24 months and interruption of EBF among infants <6 months. Prevalence ratios were computed using Poisson regression analysis with robust error variance, adjusted for sampling weights, following a hierarchical modelling approach.

SETTING

Nationally representative cross-sectional survey from Colombia.

PARTICIPANTS

The EIBF analytical sample included 6592 and the EBF sample 1512 women with young children.

RESULTS

EIBF prevalence was 65·6 % in children under 24 months and EBF was 43 % in infants under 6 months. Modifiable risk factors associated with delayed breastfeeding initiation were: C-section (PR = 2·08, CI 95 % = 1·92, 2·25), maternal overweight/obesity (PR = 1·09, CI 95 % = 1·01, 1·17), lack of skilled attendant at birth (PR = 1·09, CI 95 % = 1·01, 1·18). Modifiable risk factors for EBF interruption were C-section (PR = 1·12, CI 95 % = 1·02, 1·23) and prelacteal feeding (PR = 1·51, CI 95 % = 1·37, 1·68). Non-pregnancy intention was a protective factor for EBF interruption (PR = 0·82, CI 95 % = 0·72, 0·93).

CONCLUSIONS

C-section, lack of skilled attendant at birth, prelacteal feeding, maternal nutritional status, and pregnancy intention were modifiable factors associated with suboptimal breastfeeding practices in Colombia.

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.

An investigation of prepregnancy body mass index, ethnicity and health-related quality of life as predictors of breastfeeding exclusivity during early postpartum period: Cross sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Identifying and understanding the determinants of breastfeeding exclusivity during early postpartum period are crucial for sustainable breastfeeding. Few researchers have examined the association among prepregnancy body mass index, ethnicity and exclusive breastfeeding. As a result, whether or not these factors exhibit different relationship patterns across body mass index groups remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study was performed to: (1) test the relationships among prepregnancy body mass index, ethnicity, health-related quality of life, maternal and obstetric characteristics and exclusive breastfeeding; and (2) compare the relationships among these study variables for two body mass index groups.

DESIGN

Exploratory cross-sectional research design.

SETTING

Two postnatal wards of a university-affiliated hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 715 postpartum multi-ethnic women in Singapore.

METHODS

We used structural equation modelling with multigroup analysis to examine our hypothetical model, which integrated the concepts of breastfeeding initiation and health-related quality of life conceptual models. A 12-item short form health survey was used to assess the health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

The structural equation modelling showed that women with following factors were significantly less likely to initiate exclusive breastfeeding: being Chinese (β = -0.10, p <  0.05), having high body mass index (β = -0.11, p <  0.01), living with low household income (β = -0.08, p <  0.05) and exhibiting poor health-related quality of life scores (β = 0.17, p <  0.001). Multigroup analysis showed no difference (critical ratio = 0.061) between the parameter estimates of health-related quality of life on exclusive breastfeeding in the two body mass index groups. Health-related quality of life (β = 0.17, p <  0.001) and monthly household incomes (β = -0.11, p < 0.05) were the only significant factors in the normal body mass index group. All structural equation modelling values satisfactorily fitted the data (Goodness of Fit Index = 0.937-0.954, Incremental Fit Index = 0.937-0.945, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.906-0.917, Comparative Fit Index = 0.936-0.942 and Root Means Square Error of Approximation = 0.027-0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

Enhancing postpartum health-related quality of life and prepregnancy weight management are crucial to initiate exclusive breastfeeding. Our findings can guide the development of promising health promotion strategies among Chinese women with low household income.

Association of age and colostrum discarding with breast-feeding practice in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether maternal/caregiver's age, infant age (0-6 months) and discarding colostrum affects timely initiation of breast-feeding (TIBF) and exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) in Ethiopia.

DESIGN

A systematic search of PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, CINHAL, Web of Science and WHO Global Health Library electronic databases was done for all articles published in English from 2000 to January 2018. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted and graded the quality of studies using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A weighted inverse-variance random-effects model meta-analysis, cumulative meta-analysis and mixed-effects meta-regression analysis were done.

SETTING

All observational studies conducted in Ethiopia.ParticipantsMothers of children aged less than 2 years.ResultA total of forty articles (fourteen studies on TIBF and twenty-six on EBF) were included. TIBF was associated with colostrum discarding (OR=0·38; 95 % CI 0·21, 0·68) but not with maternal/caregiver's age (OR=0·98; 95 % CI 0·83, 1·15). In addition, colostrum discarding (OR=0·53; 95 % CI 0·36, 0·78) and infant age (OR=1·77; 95 % CI 1·38, 2·27) were significantly associated with EBF but not maternal/caregiver's age (OR=1·09; 95 % CI 0·84, 1·41).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no association between maternal/caregiver's age and breast-feeding practice (EBF and TIBF). Colostrum discarding was associated with both EBF and TIBF. This evidence could be helpful to counsel all mothers of reproductive age and who discard colostrum.

Determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding in Ethiopia: a population-based study using the 2016 demographic and health survey data

Background

Timely breastfeeding initiation is a simple but important measure that has protective effects on infants and mothers. This study aims to determine the predictors of early breastfeeding initiation among mothers residing in Ethiopia.

Methods

This study employed the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. A total of 5546 children born during the last 24 months at the time of survey were included for analysis from nine regional states and two city administration areas. Socio-demographic and socio-economic factors including individual, household and community-level factors were examined of their significance against the outcome variable of early initiation of breastfeeding using a mixed-effect logistic regression model.

Results

The proportion of infants who had timely initiation of breastfeeding was 74.3% (n = 3064). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, mothers who delivered with assistance of one or more health professionals had 68% (AOR 1.68; 95% CI: 1.23, 2.29) higher odds of initiating timely breastfeeding. In addition, mothers delivering by a caesarean section had 86% reduced odds of early breastfeeding initiation (AOR 0.14; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.22) when compared to mothers who had vaginal delivery. In terms of socio-demographic factors, the odds of early breastfeeding initiation were more than two and half times higher particularly for mothers residing particularly in Oromiya (AOR 2.58; 95% CI: 1.84, 3.63) and Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) (AOR 2.75; 95% CI: 1.86, 4.05). In addition, timely breastfeeding initiation was also significantly associated with wealth index with wealthier mothers having 43% higher odds compared to mothers of poorest households (AOR 1.43; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.92). Other factors such as age, gender and birth order of the infant also had significant associations with early breastfeeding initiation.

Conclusion

Early breastfeeding initiation in Ethiopia is inextricably associated with various socio-demographic, biomedical, and socio-economic factors. The study findings can potentially inform mothers and the wider community on the benefits of timely breastfeeding initiation and policymakers and community leaders to target health promotional interventions and resources where needed.

Timely initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors among mothers of infants age 0-6 months old in Bahir Dar City, Northwest, Ethiopia, 2017: a community based cross-sectional study

Background

Early initiation of breastfeeding, also known as early initiation, is the provision of a mothers own breast milk to her infant within one hour of birth. In Ethiopia, there is a considerable variation in the timely initiation of breastfeeding practices. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the level of timely initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors among mothers of infants less than six months old in Bahir Dar, Northwest, Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bahir Dar City from April 15 to May 3, 2017. A total of 472 mothers of infant age less than six months were selected by simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were done to know the distribution of variables. To identify predictors logistic regression was conducted.

Results

The prevalence of timely initiation of breastfeeding was 356 (75.4%). Mothers who birth by a vaginal delivery (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 6.99; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 3.49, 14.00), mothers who gave birth at health institution (AOR 3.36; 95% CI 1.47, 7.67), and who get breastfeeding counseling during antenatal care visits (AOR 5.64; 95% CI 2.70, 11.79) were more likely to initiate breastfeeding within one hour than counterparts.

Conclusions

Practice of timely initiation of breastfeeding in this study was suboptimal. Mothers who delivered at the health institution, gave birth by a vaginal delivery, and who got breastfeeding counseling during antenatal visits were the independent predictors of the timely initiation of breastfeeding practice. Encouraging all mothers to give birth in health facilities, counsel mothers to initiate breastfeeding timely at time of Caesarean sections, reduce the indication of the Caesarean procedure and providing breastfeeding counseling during antenatal care visits were recommended. Additionally, health services must establish practices that enable timely breastfeeding whenever possible, in particular, after Caesarean section and systems need to be set up to enable skin-to-skin and timely breastfeeding.

SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT FOLLOWED BY BREASTFEEDING IN THE FIRST HOUR OF LIFE: ASSOCIATED FACTORS AND INFLUENCES ON EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING

ABSTRACT Objective: to verify the factors associated with the practice of skin-to-skin contact with breastfeeding in the first hour of life and its influence on exclusive breastfeeding in the first month. Method: a retrospective cross-sectional study with medical records from a breastfeeding outpatient clinic in São Paulo, Brazil. The sample included all the medical records of the mother-baby dyad who had been consulted by nurses between 2004 and 2010. Data were collected from the medical records between 2014 and 2015. Results: 1,030 medical records were identified, 71 were excluded and the final sample was 959. The prevalence of skin-to-skin contact with breastfeeding in the first hour was 37.2%. The Apgar score between 8 and 10 in the first minute of life and the higher birth weight of the newborn were protective factors of contact with early breastfeeding; lower maternal age and cesarean delivery and forceps were risk factors for this practice. Exclusive breastfeeding was statistically higher in the group of newborns who had contact with breastfeeding in the first hour; however, there was no association with duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: good birth conditions were protective factors for breastfeeding followed by skin-to-skin contact in the first hour, while younger maternal age and surgical deliveries proved to be risk factors. Exclusive breastfeeding in the baby´s first month of life was not associated with skin-to-skin contact followed by breastfeeding in the first hour of life.

Breastfeeding self-efficacy among blind mothers

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate breastfeeding self-efficacy among blind mothers.

METHOD

This is a descriptive and exploratory research carried out in Fortaleza-Ceara, with ten blind mothers. Data were collected through an interview with the application of a socioeconomic and obstetric questionnaire and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale - Short Form.

RESULTS

The majority of blind mothers presented high breastfeeding self-efficacy, but there were also mothers with low breastfeeding self-efficacy.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to follow-up mothers throughout the entire breastfeeding period to maintain or improve breastfeeding self-efficacy in this specific public.

ABM Clinical Protocol #7: Model Maternity Policy Supportive of Breastfeeding

A central goal of The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is the development of clinical protocols for managing common medical problems that may impact breastfeeding success. These protocols serve only as guidelines for the care of breastfeeding mothers and infants and do not delineate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as standards of medical care. Variations in treatment may be appropriate according to the needs of an individual patient.

Breast and complementary feeding in Ethiopia: new national evidence from systematic review and meta-analyses of studies in the past 10 years

PURPOSE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide a national estimate of breast and complementary feeding practices and its predictors in Ethiopia.

METHODS

PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, CINHAL, Web of Science and WHO Global Health Library electronic databases were searched for all available literature published until April 2018. Observational studies including cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies were included. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of studies. Heterogeneity of studies was quantified using Cochran's Q χ² statistic and Higgins's method (I²). A meta-analysis using a weighted inverse variance method was performed. Subgroup analysis was carried out based on region and study area.

RESULTS

In total, 70 studies that involved > 55,000 women from nine regions and two chartered cities in Ethiopia were included. The pooled national prevalence for timely initiation of breastfeeding (TIBF), exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and timely initiation of complementary feeding was 66.5%, 60.1% and 62.5%, respectively. Guidance and counselling on breastfeeding, vaginal delivery and health institution delivery significantly increased the odds of TIBF and EBF. In addition, TIBF significantly associated with high EBF practice. Maternal occupational status significantly associated with low EBF practice, but not TIBF.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the WHO standard, the current breast and complementary feeding practice in Ethiopia is good and improving. Integrated intervention is still required for further improvement and minimizing the effect of occupational status.

Influences of Cesarean Delivery on Breastfeeding Practices and Duration: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Mothers are encouraged to exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months. However, cesarean delivery rates have increased worldwide, which may affect breastfeeding. Research aim: This study aimed to determine the potential effects of cesarean delivery on breastfeeding practices and breastfeeding duration.

METHODS

This was a 6-month cohort study extracted from a 24-month prospective cohort study of mother-infant pairs in three communities in Hunan, China. Data about participants' characteristics, delivery methods, breastfeeding initiation, use of formula in the hospital, exclusive breastfeeding, and any breastfeeding were collected at 1, 3, and 6 months following each infant's birth. The chi-square test, logistic regression model, and Cox proportional hazard regression model were used to examine the relationship between breastfeeding practices and cesarean delivery.

RESULTS

The number of women who had a cesarean delivery was 387 (40.6%), and 567 (59.4%) women had a vaginal delivery. The exclusive breastfeeding rates at 1, 3, and 6 months were 80.2%, 67.4%, and 21.5%, respectively. Women who had a cesarean delivery showed a lower rate of exclusive breastfeeding and any breastfeeding than those who had a vaginal delivery ( p < .05). In addition, cesarean delivery was related with using formula in the hospital and delayed breastfeeding initiation. Cesarean delivery also shortened the breastfeeding duration (hazard ratio = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [1.06, 1.84]).

CONCLUSION

Healthcare professionals should provide more breastfeeding skills to women who have a cesarean delivery and warn mothers about the dangers of elective cesarean section for breastfeeding practices.

Assessment of initiation of breastfeeding practice in Kassala, Eastern Sudan: a community-based study

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) encourages early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth with the objective of saving children’s lives. There are few published research papers about factors associated with the initiation of breastfeeding in Sudan.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with the timely initiation of breastfeeding among mothers with children two years and under in Kassala, Eastern Sudan.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to March 2017. Mothers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.

Results

A total of 250 mother-child pairs participated in the study. The mean (standard deviation) of maternal age and children’s age was 27.1 (5.68) years and 11.9 (6.9) months, respectively.

Of the 250 mothers, 218 (87.2%) initiated breastfeeding within the first hour. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, factors associated with the delay of breastfeeding initiation were having a male baby (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 3.90, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]1.33, 11.47), and mothers with medical disorders (AOR 5.07, 95% CI 1.22, 21.16).

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding. An association with delayed initiation of breastfeeding was found amongst mothers who had medical disorders and those who had a male infant. Wherever possible, early initiation of breastfeeding should be promoted for all infants, regardless of gender.