Abstract
BackgroundExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has multiple benefits for both the child and the mother; however, there is little data regarding the reason why Mexican mothers with a high socio-economic level abandon EBF before 6 months, and there is limited information about the practice of breastfeeding in private hospitals. The objective was to identify the factors associated with the cessation of exclusive breastfeeding in Mexican mothers at two private hospitals.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 218 upper-class mothers selected according to their place of residence by geographic location, socio-economic level, and pediatric consultations cost. They were over 18 years old and with children aged 6 to 24 months.Data were collected between July and November 2016 by face to face interview using a structured questionnaire while the mothers waited for the pediatric postnatal care consultation in two private hospitals in northeastern Mexico. Exclusive breastfeeding was measured according to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, which consist of providing only breast milk for the first 6 months of life. Chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regression were performed.ResultsMean maternal age was 31.4 years (SD of 4.4) and most of the participants had an undergraduate education, were married, and worked outside the home. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months was 28%. Upper-class working mothers are less likely to continue breastfeeding. There was a negative association with employment (AOR 13.69; 95% CI 1.59, 111.11), bottle use in the first 6 months (AOR 7.93; 95% CI 3.07, 20.48), and a low level of knowledge (AOR 2.18; 95% CI 1.04, 4.56). After 6 months, only 61 mothers (28%) maintained exclusive breastfeeding.ConclusionsKnowledge level, bottle use, and employment are associated with premature cessation of EBF in Mexican upper-class mothers, attending two private hospitals. There was a high percentage of breastfeeding cessation in the sample. It is necessary to reinforce a strategy that coordinates the action of the different laws, regulations and programs affecting the exclusive breastfeeding practice, in order to adequately promote breastfeeding and support mothers in both public and private sectors.
Highlights
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has multiple benefits for both the child and the mother; there is little data regarding the reason why Mexican mothers with a high socio-economic level abandon EBF before 6 months, and there is limited information about the practice of breastfeeding in private hospitals
It has been observed in different studies that proper counselling, mother friendly work environment and the promotion of EBF are key for increasing the prevalence of mothers practicing exclusive breastfeeding [7, 8]
It is important and necessary to increase the literature and knowledge regarding the EBF women’s conditions and practices, the objective of this study was to identify the factors associated (Primipara, Type of pregnancy, Mode of delivery, Information on breastfeeding at the hospital, Use of bottle in hospital, Bottle use in the first 6 months, Pacifier use in the first 6 months, Support from partner in breastfeeding, Support of partner in housework, Breastfeeding is pleasant, Cracked nipples, Mastitis, Medication, Milk insufficient, Working Knowledge) with the cessation of EBF in children from six to 24 months of upper-class mothers. Design This was a cross-sectional study of potential factors associated with the cessation of exclusive breastfeeding in Mexican mothers, and data were collected by face to face interview using structured questionnaire while the mothers waited for the pediatric postnatal care consultation in two private hospitals in northeastern Mexico
Summary
Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has multiple benefits for both the child and the mother; there is little data regarding the reason why Mexican mothers with a high socio-economic level abandon EBF before 6 months, and there is limited information about the practice of breastfeeding in private hospitals. Studies in various countries affirm that factors such as maternal age, education level, employment, health services, immediate attachment, breastfeeding knowledge, problems of the nipples, mastitis, and low milk supply are associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding [5, 6]. It has been observed in different studies that proper counselling, mother friendly work environment and the promotion of EBF are key for increasing the prevalence of mothers practicing exclusive breastfeeding [7, 8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
