Abstract
BackgroundInitiation of breastfeeding can be difficult in a busy maternity centre with inadequate manpower and social support. This study aims to explore the role of psychosocial support offered by companions on breastfeeding initiation among first-time mothers.MethodsThis is a secondary data analysis of a randomised controlled trial conducted among women attending the antenatal clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria in 2007. Those in the experimental group were asked to bring someone of their choice to the labour room to act as a companion; the comparison group received standard care. The results of 209 HIV negative women who had vaginal births were analysed. The main outcome measure was time to initiation of breastfeeding after childbirth.ResultsOf the total, 94 had companions during labour while 115 did not have a companion. The median time to breastfeeding initiation was significantly shorter in those with companions compared to controls (16 vs. 54 minutes; p < 0.01). The cumulative survival analysis indicated that all in the treatment group had initiated breastfeeding by 26 minutes, while among the control group none had commenced at 30 minutes post-delivery with some as late as 12 hours. After Cox regression analysis was used to adjust for possible confounders, the outcome still showed a significant hazard ratio of 207.8 (95%CI 49.2, 878.0; p < 0.01) among women who were supported by a companion.ConclusionUse of companions during labour is associated with earlier time to breastfeeding initiation among first-time mothers in Nigeria.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12609000994280.
Highlights
Initiation of breastfeeding can be difficult in a busy maternity centre with inadequate manpower and social support
Use of companions during labour is associated with earlier time to breastfeeding initiation among first-time mothers in Nigeria
According to the 2003 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) of Nigeria, breastfeeding initiation varies with many background characteristics [6]
Summary
Initiation of breastfeeding can be difficult in a busy maternity centre with inadequate manpower and social support. This study aims to explore the role of psychosocial support offered by companions on breastfeeding initiation among first-time mothers. UNICEF has promoted breastfeeding initiation within half an hour of childbirth as an important strategy to reduce perinatal and infant morbidities and mortality, and by extension to support the attainment of Millennium Development Goal 4:. According to the 2003 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) of Nigeria, breastfeeding initiation varies with many background characteristics [6]. In this survey, 40% of women, who delivered at a health care facility where there are professionals, initiated breastfeeding within an hour compared to less than 30% in those who delivered elsewhere. The 25 percent of Hausa-Fulanis that are mainly from North-West and East of the country initiated breastfeeding early
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
