Abstract
Maternal breastfeeding is associated with multiple health benefits, both for the child and the mother. Since breastfeeding rates are declining, finding new, future-oriented strategies to strengthen and support mothers’ positive attitudes towards breastfeeding need to be developed. In this paper, we describe how information about the presence of stem cells in breast milk can influence the willingness to breastfeed in the population of Polish pregnant women. A cross-sectional study involving a group of 150 pregnant women was conducted to assess the correlation between their knowledge about stem cells and their attitude towards breastfeeding. Among the respondents, only 6% claimed that they did not know anything about stem cells, but general knowledge about stem cells in the research group was poor. The survey results indicated that city residence, university degree, maternal experience and advanced pregnancy correlated with higher general knowledge regarding stem cells. Most respondents (77.3%) had no knowledge regarding the presence of stem cells in breast milk. Approximately two-thirds of mothers with earlier negative breastfeeding experience declared that information about the presence of stem cells in breast milk could have influenced the decision to continue and extend the time of breastfeeding. Hence highlighting the presence of stem cells in breast milk can be used to encourage breastfeeding as a unique activity.
Highlights
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and continued breastfeeding combined with the intake of solid foods for the 2 years or as long as the mother and baby desire [1,2]
We describe how information about stem cells abundance in breast milk can relate to the intention to practice breastfeeding
We found that 61.3 % of the study participants said that being aware of the presence of stem cells in breast milk could influence the decision to begin or continue breastfeeding
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding (i.e., no other fluids or solids) for the first 6 months of life and continued breastfeeding combined with the intake of solid foods for the 2 years or as long as the mother and baby desire [1,2]. In many countries, these guidelines are implemented and adapted according to local conditions.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have