Factors That Influence Exclusive Breastfeeding: A literature Review

Abstract

Every year more than 10 million children under the age of five years die, mainly from one of a short list of causes which already can prevented through successful base of exclusive breastfeeding.Although WHO and Uniceif recommends early initiation of breastfeeding (within an hour from birth) and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. The exclusive breastfeeding rate and early initiation to breastfeeding are still very low, because there are many factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding such as, lack of knowledge, lactation problems, poor family and social support, social norms, embarrassment, employment and child care, and health services. As well, a lot of barriers to successful exclusive breastfeeding among employed mothers have been identified in the work environment such as company policies/work culture, manager support/lack of support, co-worker support/lack of support, and the physical environment of the breastfeeding space. So; we see there is a need for  implementation of an educational program through primary health care settings as well mass media to improve, promote and support the exclusive breastfeeding practices, both national and international among working and non-mothers should be done.