Determinants of Successful Exclusive Breastfeeding for Saudi Mothers: Social Acceptance Is a Unique Predictor.

Nada A Alyousefi

doi:10.3390/ijerph18105172

Abstract

Recent guidelines motivate health care professionals to promote exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). The reported rate of EBF is low in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to explore the determinants of successful exclusive breastfeeding for Saudi mothers. A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted in family medicine clinics. The dependent variable was the actual practice of EBF. Independent variables were the mothers’ demographic information, comfortableness with breastfeeding in public, knowledge and attitudes about breastfeeding, previous experience of successful breastfeeding, and a previous feeding plan. Statistical analysis was carried out using bivariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression. Out of the 322 respondents, only 28% practiced exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Perceived insufficient milk (p = 0.011) was associated with a lower EBF rate. Mothers’ degrees of comfort with breastfeeding in front of their relatives (p = 0.024) and in front of friends (p = 0.028) were significantly associated with their infants’ actual feeding practices for the first six months of their infants’ lives. Mothers reported that the absence of a suitable place for breastfeeding caused them to stop breastfeeding (p = 0.043) and was associated with their infant’s actual feeding practices for the first six months of their infant’s lives. An antenatal breastfeeding intention was considered a significant predictor of EBF; OR: 7.31 (95% CI: 2.24—23.84). Mothers who do not stop breastfeeding when they get sick have a 5.054 times higher chance of continuing EBF (95% CI: 1.037—24.627) than the formula-only feeding group. Thus, social acceptance is a unique predictor for their success in exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers have good intentions and a desire to breastfeed. Therefore, they must be guided through their pregnancy and postpartum period to overcome breastfeeding issues.

Highlights

Among the essential components of maternal experiences is breastfeeding. It has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) that breastfeeding should be continued for at least two years, with the beginning of weaning and addition of foods after six months of the initial period of exclusive breastfeeding [1]
This study aimed to explore the determinants of Saudi mothers for successful exclusive breastfeeding
The majority of the participants were aware of exclusive breastfeeding and believed that the practice was desirable and low cost

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Among the essential components of maternal experiences is breastfeeding. It has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) that breastfeeding should be continued for at least two years, with the beginning of weaning and addition of foods after six months of the initial period of exclusive breastfeeding [1]. Recent guidelines and newborn breastfeeding-friendly initiatives [2,3] have been implemented in the community to help health care professionals to promote the awareness and practice of breastfeeding among mothers [4]. Breastfeeding has gained variable attention from health care policymakers, practitioners, and mothers despite all of the proven benefits and promotional efforts

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Discussion

Conclusion