Factors affecting breastfeeding in rural and urban population of Greece: Preliminary analysis of a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding is the unparalleled way to provide infants the ideal nutrients they need for their healthy growth. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months old, starting within 1 hour of birth. All infants should start receiving foods in addition to breast milk from 6 months onwards, while breastfeeding continues until 2 years old or more. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate those factors that may influence the onset of breastfeeding in the first few days after birth and during the hospitalization in the maternity ward, as well as the establishment of breastfeeding 6 weeks after birth, along with studying the weight of the newborn. Material and Method: This was a prospective study with a convenience sample taking place in the General Hospital of Argolis and the Elena Venizelou maternity hospital in Athens. In the presented pilot study 75 women that delivered at full term completed the questionnaire. We chose to exclude women that delivered during the preterm period as well as those that delivered twins as these factors independently affect the possibility of discontinuing breastfeeding. A self-report questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions was used and was completed in two phases. Results: Overall, 75 women completed the questionnaire. Of those 3 women delivered within the early term period (37+0 – 38+6 weeks). The majority of women (74.67%) initiated breastfeeding within 2 hours from delivery. Rooming in was allowed within the first hour in a large proportion of participants (62.67%). Breastfeeding difficulties were encountered in approximately half of participants and the predominant reason was some form of breast pathology. Twenty-two mothers (29.3%) discontinued breastfeeding within the study period. Early rooming in significantly increased the possibility of continuing breastfeeding after the first month. Of all the factors that were investigated during the puerperal period only the amount of formula meals significantly affected the rates of continuous breastfeeding. Conclusion: Early rooming-in significantly increases breastfeeding practices. Unstructured educational activities from healthcare providers and accompanying brochures do not seem to enhance breastfeeding duration, indicating the need for adoption of specific programs that will be tested in forthcoming studies.