Reported Barriers to Appropriate Early Breastfeeding Practices in Lebanon

Abstract

The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) from within the first hour of life until 6 months of age. Breastfeeding practices in Lebanon fall short of these recommendations: while more than 90% of infants were ever breastfed, EBF rates are low and breastfeeding duration is inadequate. The Lebanese health system is likely to have a vital role in early breastfeeding practices since most deliveries are in institutions, many of which are private. This research aimed to identify stakeholders' perceptions of barriers to recommended early breastfeeding practices in the context of health services. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 59 stakeholders in early breastfeeding. The framework approach was used for data analysis. Findings revealed suboptimal antenatal preparedness to breastfeeding, hospital practices not conducive to EBF initiation during hospital stay, medicalisation of childbirth, health professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards breastfeeding and aggressive marketing by breast milk substitutes companies as contributing factors. The socio‐cultural context also appeared to support a belief system that is depreciative of breastfeeding. Future efforts should focus on sensitising women, empowering them and increasing their demand for appropriate breastfeeding practices and baby‐friendly practices within health services, improving health professionals' knowledge and skills for breastfeeding promotion, support and management, and limiting the aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes companies.