Factors affecting Early Discontinuation of Exclusive Breastfeeding – A study of Hospitalized Infants

Abstract

Introduction: Breast milk is a natural and nutritious food which is considered to be the safest food for neonates and infants. It boosts immune system, controls gastrointestinal infections, pneumonia, UTI and provides proper nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Aim of the Study: The study aimed to find out the factors of early discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first 6 months of life of hospitalized babies. Methods: It is an observational prospective study conducted at the Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute. The sample size was 191 infants and their mothers. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire prepared by the researchers and applied to the mothers of infants. The study was conducted during the period of 1 July 2020- 31 December 2020. Result: Most of the infants 111(52.3%) were aged<20 days and most of the mothers 154(80.6%) were aged more than 20 years. Majority of the mothers 107(56.1%) were housewives and 14(7.3%) infants were preterm. Most of the babies 125(65.4%) weighted more than 2500g. In this study majority of the babies 161(84.29%) were healthy cried immediately after the birth. Majority of the babies 105(55%) could suck breast milk properly after the birth. In 103(53.9%) cases, breastfeeding was initiated within an hour after the birth. Normal vaginal delivery was done in 98(51.3%) cases and caesarean section was done in 93(48.7%) cases. Majority of the mothers113 (59.2%) had misconception about quantity of milk they believed that they don’t have enough milk. Only 32(16.8%) mothers doesn’t like breastfeed the baby and 65(34%) mothers believed that formula is better than breast milk and 107(56%) mothers had lack of knowledge about advantages of breast milk. Conclusion: This prospective study found that the level of the discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding is high having several factors like having misconception about quantity of milk, lack of knowledge about advantages of breast milk, preference of formula milk over breast milk. More over low socio-economic background, less educational level of mothers, working mothers having no breast feeding corner in work place, and mothers having various breast problem (inverted nipple, flat nipple, cracked nipple, Mastitis, breast abscess, Faulty technic of breast feeding ) were also included.