Risk Factors Associated with Initiation of Breastfeeding among Mothers with Low Birth Weight Babies: A Cross-Sectional Multi-Centre Study in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Early initiation of breastfeeding is important for good lactation outcomes and has long been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Recommendations are based on research showing that breastfeeding saves children’s lives, particularly among vulnerable populations such as low birth weight (LBW) neonates. In spite of a consistent rise in LBW deliveries, and in spite of the importance of breastfeeding for the survival of LBW neonates, a dearth of research exists regarding early initiation of breastfeeding for this population.
 AIM: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and factors associated with the initiation of breastfeeding among mothers with children aged less than two years who were low birth weight in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
 METHODS: The data for this cross-sectional study were extracted from a larger project on evaluation of breastfeeding practices in Abu Dhabi. The original data were collected from seven healthcare centres located in different urban and suburban areas of Abu Dhabi during 2017. A structured questionnaire was used by trained research assistants who collected relevant data from mothers during the interview.
 RESULTS: The study included a total of 1,822 mothers of children below the age of two years; 175 (9.6%) of those children were identified as LBW. The mean (standard deviation [SD] ages of the mothers and the children were 30.5 (5.0) years and 6.0 (5.1) months, respectively. The mean birth weight (SD) of the LBW children was 2079.6 (255.0) grams.
 Forty (29.9%) mothers of LBW children initiated breastfeeding within the first hour. Sixty-four (47.8%) were delivered vaginally, and 70 (52.2%) were delivered via caesarean section (CS).
 In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the only factor associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding among the LBW children was CS (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07, 5.07).
 CONCLUSION: The prevalence of LBW was 9.6%, and it was associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding as compared to the normal birth weight babies. While early initiation of breastfeeding should be promoted for all newborns, LBW infants are recognised as a vulnerable group and thus require additional support. There should be more emphasis on promoting and facilitating breastfeeding for LBW babies, especially those delivered by CS.