Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices Research Articles

Exclusive breastfeeding among Indonesian working mothers: does early initiation of breastfeeding matter?

BackgroundEarly initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is a starting point that lays the foundation for breastfeeding and bonding between mother and baby. Meanwhile, working mothers are one of the vulnerable groups for the success of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). The study analyzed the role of EIBF on EBF among Indonesian working mothers.MethodsThe cross-sectional study examined secondary data from the 2021 Indonesian National Nutritional Status Survey. The study analyzed 4,003 respondents. We examined EBF practice as an outcome variable and EIBF as an exposure variable. We included nine control variables (residence, maternal age, marital, education, prenatal classes, wealth, infant age, sex, and birth weight). All variables were assessed by questionnaire. The study employed a binary logistic regression test in the last stage.ResultsThe result showed that the proportion of EBF among working mothers in Indonesia in 2021 was 51.9%. Based on EIBF, Indonesian working mothers with EIBF were 2.053 times more likely than those without to perform EBF (p < 0.001; AOR 2.053; 95% CI 2.028–2.077). Moreover, the study also found control variables related to EBF in Indonesia: residence, maternal age, marital, education, prenatal classes, wealth, infant age, sex, and birth weight.ConclusionThe study concluded that EIBF was related to EBF. Indonesian working mothers with EIBF were two times more likely than those without to perform EBF. The government needs to release policies that strengthen the occurrence of EIBF in working mothers to increase EBF coverage.

Sociocultural context of exclusive breastfeeding in Africa: A narrative review.

Although exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has many benefits, it is not commonly practiced in several countries as a result of context-specific challenges. EBF practice is thus a global health discourse because over 200 million children suffer from malnutrition despite the abundance of human milk. The risk of starvation remains very high among African children with less than 40% of them exclusively breastfed. In Africa, the adoption or nonadherence to EBF is a sociocultural issue. Hence, this narrative review examined the sociocultural context of EBF in the region. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched using keywords related to EBF and Africa. Relevant data from selected studies were synthesized narratively and reported using a structured narrative format. EBF is strongly rooted in every culture and is a culturally determined behavior. Some believe that colostrum is dirty and harmful to newborns and, thus, needs to be purified. Despite the belief that human milk is the best food for babies, mothers often complement human milk with other foods right from birth because of perceived lactation inadequacy. Most African mothers believe in prelacteal feeding to help cleanse the infant's gastrointestinal tract for digestion, quench thirst, flush the bladder and help the mother to rest after childbirth before breastfeeding (BF) is initiated. The role of significant others was equally found important in the decision and duration of BF. The availability of family support (especially from grandmothers and husbands) reportedly encouraged EBF in Africa. The duration and exclusivity of BF in Africa are negatively associated with demographic variables like young age, low level of education, being unmarried, low income, out of employment, and parity (first-time mother). While there have been some efforts and policies to improve EBF, it is important to consider context-specific challenges and sociocultural factors. There is a need for more deliberate efforts to encourage mothers through the implementation of effective best practices concerning EBF in Africa.

Asymptomatic hypoglycemia among preterm newborns: A cross-sectional analysis.

Hypoglycemia is the commonest metabolic abnormality encountered in newborns. Besides, there is a growing body of evidence that links the causes of early neonatal mortality to neonatal hypoglycemia in Tanzania. However exact factors associated with asymptomatic hypoglycemia in preterm newborns are not known. To assess factors associated with asymptomatic hypoglycemia among preterm newborns. A cross sectional, analytical hospital- based study was carried out at Dar es salaam public regional referral hospitals. Preterm newborns with asymptomatic hypoglycemia were the target population. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics of preterm newborns and their mothers were collected and analyzed using Epi-Info™ software version 7.4. Main data analysis was done by applying a multivariable binary logistic regression model with neonatal random glycaemia coded in a binary fashion at a cut-off point of 2.6 mmol/L. An α-level of 5% was used as a limit of type I error. We recruited and analysed 217 preterm newborns within 6-24 hours post-delivery. Male: Female = 1.1:1 (females n = 105, 48.4%). Median glycemic level was 2.6 (IQR; 2.1-3.9) mmol/L. Median gestational age at delivery was 33 (IQR: 30-35) weeks. Breastfeeding within 1st hour post-delivery was a statistically significant factor against glycemic levels associated with hypoglycemia (OR; 0.123, 95%-CI; 0.052-0.287) in a fitted multivariable logistic regression model. About half of all preterm newborns studied had glycemic values in a statistical range associated with hypoglycemia. Exclusive breast feeding within 1st hour post-delivery was associated with glycemic levels protective from risk of asymptomatic neonatal hypoglycemia. Exclusive breastfeeding practices within 1st hour post-delivery may need to be emphasized to all expectant mothers in order to avoid potential risk of asymptomatic hypoglycemia in preterm newborns.

Nexus between postpartum depression and exclusive breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers in Assosa Town, West Ethiopia.

Across the globe, breastfeeding stands out as a highly effective strategy for reducing infant and child morbidity and mortality. Concurrently, postpartum depression (PPD) emerges as a notable public health issue, adversely affecting both exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices for infants and the fulfillment of parenting roles. Despite the lack of substantial evidence in Ethiopia and the specific study areas, indicating the association between PPD and EBF practices, this study endeavors to fill this gap. The primary objective is to examine the correlation between PPD and EBF practices, along with exploring other pertinent factors, in Assosa Town, West Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from 7 March to 5 April 2019. The study involved the recruitment of 462 participants through a systematic random sampling method. Data collection was facilitated by conducting a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. To screen for PPD, we used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) tool. This tool, EPDS, was used solely as a screening tool and not for diagnostic purposes. The collected data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and subsequently exported to SPSS version 24 for comprehensive statistical analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between independent variables and dependent variables. Odds ratios, along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated to ascertain the presence and strength of any associations. Statistical significance was acknowledged at a p-value of <0.05. The overall prevalence of EBF practices was found to be 58.2% (95% CI: 51.4-65.7), while the prevalence of PPD was 18.7% (95% CI: 15.94-26.7). Among mothers without PPD, the prevalence of EBF practices was notably higher at 62.4% (95% CI: 55.9-65.2%) compared to mothers experiencing PPD, where the prevalence was 31.3% (95% CI: 24.7-32.5%). Mothers who experienced PPD exhibited 51% reduced odds of practicing EBF compared to their counterparts (AOR = 0.49. 95% CI: 0.25-0.8). Furthermore, factors such as having a higher family monthly income (AOR = 8.7, 95% CI: 4.2-17.2), being multiparous (AOR = 5.8, 95% CI 4.9-10.8), attending antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR = 4.9, 95% CI: 3.4-14.1), opting for vaginal delivery (AOR = 9.8, 95% CI: 5.6-17.4), and receiving husband's support (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 4.6-12.7) demonstrated a statistically significant positive association with EBF practices. In this study, a substantial number of mothers demonstrated suboptimal EBF practices during the first 6 months of their infants' lives. Consequently, the findings underscore a clear association between PPD and EBF. Thus, it is imperative to intensify efforts in the early detection and treatment of PPD, enhance household income, advocate for ANC, and encourage active husband involvement to bolster EBF practices.

The Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice and Its Predictors in the First Six Months of Life Among Working Mothers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice and Its Predictors in the First Six Months of Life Among Working Mothers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Breastfeeding practices and social norms in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A qualitative study.

Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mothers and children. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. However, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, slightly under half of children under six months are exclusively breastfed. This study aimed to describe breastfeeding practices and to explore perceived social norms regarding breastfeeding among mothers in Kinshasa. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Kinshasa from June to July 2013. This study purposively sampled 54 mothers of infants aged 6 to 12 months, who participated in six focus group discussions. Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the discussion guide explored infant feeding in the first six months, knowledge of breastfeeding, perception of the feasibility of exclusive breastfeeding, and perception of the social norms with regard to exclusive breastfeeding. The content analysis approach was used to analyse data. Mothers had good breastfeeding knowledge; however, few of them had practised exclusive breastfeeding as recommended during the first six months. Exclusive breastfeeding was considered unfeasible in their context. Barriers to exclusive breastfeeding were reported as baby's cries, social pressure, warm climate, and poor maternal diet. Social norms were supportive of breastfeeding but unfavourable to exclusive breastfeeding. In Kinshasa, mothers have a good knowledge of breastfeeding. However, few practise exclusive breastfeeding. Social pressure plays an important role in the cessation of exclusive breastfeeding before six months. In order to improve the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in this context, social and behaviour change programmes should target the entire population rather than mothers only.

Lactation duration and development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome in postpartum women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThe World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund recommend exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of an infant’s life. Although evidence suggests that maintaining breastfeeding has positive impacts on glucose and lipid metabolism in postpartum women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), no study has investigated whether such effects differ between breastfeeding intensities. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of maintaining breastfeeding on prediabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) six months postpartum in women with GDM. This study also examined the potential variations in glucometabolic outcomes between EBF at six months and partial breastfeeding at six months.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 130 women with recent GDM who experienced live births between 7 September 2020 and 31 January 2023 at a university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. All the women were free of T2DM and MetS at baseline (six weeks postpartum). We followed up these women six months postpartum to assess their breastfeeding practices (EBF at six months, partial breastfeeding at six months, or not maintaining breastfeeding) and evaluate their progression to prediabetes, T2DM, and MetS. Maintaining breastfeeding was defined as breastfeeding for six months. EBF was determined using the “recall since birth” method.ResultsOf the 130 participants included, the rates of prediabetes, T2DM, and MetS six months postpartum were 33% (n = 43), 2% (n = 3), and 17% (n = 22), respectively. In the unadjusted model, maintaining breastfeeding was associated with a reduction in the risks of prediabetes and MetS but not T2DM. After adjusting for potential confounders, maintaining breastfeeding was a significant protective factor only for prediabetes. The adjusted risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 0.54 (0.29, 0.99) for prediabetes and 0.47 (0.19, 1.06) for MetS. When EBF at six months and partial breastfeeding at six months were separately analyzed, the risks of prediabetes and MetS differed between the two groups. In the EBF at six months-to-partial breastfeeding at six months comparison, the adjusted risk ratios (95% confidence intervals) of prediabetes and MetS were 0.46 (0.22, 0.97) vs. 0.79 (0.25, 2.49) and 0.34 (0.11, 0.99) vs. 0.69 (0.22, 2.07), respectively.ConclusionsMaintaining breastfeeding reduced the risk of prediabetes and MetS, but not of T2DM, six months postpartum; these effects were significant only with EBF. These findings indicate that supporting maternal efforts to practice EBF for six months may improve women’s health after GDM.Trial registrationThai Clinical Trials Registry Registration No. TCTR20200902003. Date of registration: September 2, 2020. Date of initial participant enrollment: September 7, 2020.

Demystifying Barriers to and Drivers of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice – A Cross-Sectional Study Among Mothers &amp; Caregivers of Children Under 5 in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

This study presents findings from a cross-sectional survey conducted among mothers and caregivers of children under 5 in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Out of the 1647 collected questionnaires, 77.5% were validated for analysis. Results reveal that 53.3% of the women were aged 20-29 years, with older adolescent mothers (18-19 years) comprising 7.8%. The majority were married (97.8%), and over two-thirds had at least primary education (69.5%). While 54.5% identified as housewives, 28.7% engaged in petty trading, and 12.3% pursued farming full-time. Table 2 in the appendix indicates good knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices, with 88.4% knowing breastfeeding should start immediately after birth. However, EBF prevalence was only 33.3%, higher among women with more than secondary education (43.2%) and those aged 20-29 years (35.4%). Positive perceptions toward EBF were evident, but misconceptions persisted, impacting practice. Social norms influenced some contradictory behaviors, such as early introduction of water (51%).

Predictors of delayed initiation of breast milk and exclusive breastfeeding in Ethiopia: A multi-level mixed-effect analysis.

Despite the well-established benefits of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months to promote optimal neonatal and child health, evidence indicates that in Ethiopia, a significant number of newborns initiate breastfeeding late, do not adhere to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the recommended duration, and instead are fed with bottles. To determine the proportion of delayed initiation of breast milk, exclusive breastfeeding, and its individual and community-level predictors among mothers in Ethiopia. A secondary data analysis was done using the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic Health Survey data. We examined a weighted sample of 2,012 children born within the past 24 months and 623 children aged 0-5 months at the time of the survey. The data analysis was done using STATA version 15. To understand the variation in delayed initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, statistical measures such as the Intraclass correlation coefficient, median odds ratio, and proportional change in variance were calculated. We employed a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model to identify predictors for each outcome variable. Statistical significance was determined with a p-value < 0.05. The proportion of delayed initiation of breast milk and exclusive breastfeeding were 24.56 and 84.5%, respectively. Women aged 34-49 years old (AOR = 0.33: 95% CI; 0.15-0.72), having a television in the house (AOR = 0.74: 95%CI; 0.33-0.97), delivered by cesarean section (AOR = 3.83: 95% CI; 1.57-9.32), and resided in the Afar regional state (AOR = 1.43: 95%CI; 1.03-12.7) were significantly associated with delayed initiation of breast milk. On the other hand, attended primary education (AOR = 0.67: 95%CI; 0.35-0.99), secondary education (AOR = 0.34: 95%CI; 0.19-0.53), women whose household headed by male (AOR = 0.68; 95% CI; 0.34-0.97), and rural residents (AOR = 1.98: 95%CI; 1.09-3.43) were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. Health promotion efforts that encourage timely initation of breast milk and promote EBF, focused on young mothers, those who gave birth through cesarean section, and those residing in urban and the Afar regional state. Furthermore, government health policymakers and relevant stakeholders should consider these identified predictors when revising existing strategies or formulating new policies.

Association of Pregnant Women's Perinatal Depression with Sociodemographic, Anthropometric and Lifestyle Factors and Perinatal and Postnatal Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: In recent decades, the incidence of depression has gradually increased in the general population globally. Depression is also common during gestation and could result in detrimental gestational complications for both the mother and the fetus. The survey presented aimed to evaluate whether pregnant women's perinatal depression could be associated with socio-demographic, anthropometry and lifestyle factors, and perinatal and postnatal outcomes. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey conducted on 5314 pregnant women. Socio-demographic and lifestyle factors were recorded by relevant questionnaires via face-to-face interviews. Anthropometric parameters were measured by qualified personnel. Perinatal depressive symptomatology status was evaluated by Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II) questionnaire. Results: Depressive symptoms throughout gestation were found in 35.1% of the enrolled women. Perinatal depression was significantly associated with lower educational and economic level, pre-pregnancy regular smoking and reduced levels of Mediterranean diet adherence levels, a higher prevalence of gestational diabetes and preterm birth, as well as a higher incidence of delivering by caesarean section and abnormal childbirth weight. Perinatal depression was also significantly associated with a higher prevalence of maternal postpartum depression and lower prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practices, as well as with a higher incidence of childhood asthma. Conclusions: Pregnant women's perinatal depression appears to be associated with various socio-demographic, anthropometry, and lifestyle characteristics and with a higher frequency of several adverse pregnancy complications. The present findings emphasize the importance of pregnant women's perinatal mental health, highlighting the need to develop and apply public strategies and policies for psychological counseling and support of future mothers to minimize probable risk factors that may trigger perinatal depression. Novel well-organized, follow-up surveys of enhanced validity are highly recommended to establish more definitive conclusions.

Experience of working women in Kisangani (DRC) on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding

Introduction: The aim of the study was to demonstrate working mothers' experience of exclusive breastfeeding, to identify what these working mothers expect from exclusive breastfeeding, to assess the satisfaction they derive from exclusive breastfeeding, to determine their representation of exclusive breastfeeding and to analyze their attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding. Methodology: We used a qualitative and phenomenological approach, based on free direct interviews. It involved 5 working women found in pre-school consultations at the Saint Joseph Reference Health Centre from August 1st to September 12, 2023. Results: Respondents were aware of exclusive breastfeeding from a variety of sources. Almost all the respondents had practiced exclusive breastfeeding in spite of their daily occupations. They expected their children to be healthy and protected from illness. They had experienced satisfaction in practicing exclusive breastfeeding in spite of their daily occupations, but they were not so satisfied with the fact that in their workplaces there was no suitable space for practicing exclusive breastfeeding. The respondents were relatively convinced that breast milk provided good health for their children and was an ideal and natural means of contraception. Conclusion: The combination of work and exclusive breastfeeding is a serious problem for working women. Daily occupation could be a handicap for promoting exclusive breastfeeding.

Nutritional status assessment of 6-59 months age children in rural Yadgir, Karnataka state, India

Background: Childhood undernutrition contributes to childhood diseases and is a major cause of child mortality in India. According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 32% under-five children in India were under-weight, and 36% were stunted. In Karnataka, the prevalence of underweight among under-five children was 33% and stunting 35%. The objective of the study was to assess the nutritional status of under five-years children in rural communities. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 1887 under-five children from rural Yadgir, Karnataka. Weight and height of children were measured using standard protocols. The World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro software version 3.2.2.1 was used for analyzing data. Children whose Z-scores on weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height indices were below -2SD from the median of the WHO reference population were considered as underweight, stunted, and wasted respectively. Results: The result revealed that 53.6% of children were stunted, 39.4% were underweight and 15.3% were wasted. Severe forms of underweight, stunting and wasting were observed among 9.4%, 24.2% and 4% children respectively. The frequency of being underweight and stunted has increased with age, which was accelerated after 6 months and about 34% and 52% of children were underweight and stunted by the age 12-23 months. While wasting was higher among children aged 6-11 (24.2%) months than their counterparts. Conclusions: Special attention is required to reduce nutrition vulnerability among young children (12-24 months). An appropriate strategy needs to be implemented to educate rural mothers on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices.

Attitude and predictors of exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers attending under-five welfare clinics in a rural community in Southwestern Nigeria.

Much previous research on exclusive breastfeeding has focused on urban and semi-urban communities, while there is still a paucity of data from rural areas. We assessed the attitude and practice of exclusive breastfeeding and its predictors among mothers attending the under-five welfare clinics in a rural community. A cross-sectional study was conducted among consecutively recruited 217 mothers attending the three health facilities under-five welfare clinics in Ido-Ekiti, Southwest, Nigeria. Information was collected with a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from previously published research works. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. More than half of the mothers, 117(53.9%) were ≥30 years old, and 191(88.0%) were married. Almost all, 216 (99.5%) attended an ante-natal clinic; however, 174(80.2%) delivered in the health facility. The respondent's mean ± SD exclusive breastfeeding attitudinal score was 29.94 ± 2.14 (maximum obtainable score was 36), and the proportion of mothers that practiced exclusive breastfeeding was 40.6%. Married mothers were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding than their unmarried counterparts (AOR:6.324, 95%CI:1.809-22.114). The common reasons for not practicing exclusive breastfeeding were work schedule 57(26.3%), cultural beliefs and the need to introduce herbal medicine 32(14.7%), and insufficient breast milk 30(13.8%). This study revealed a good disposition with a suboptimal practice towards exclusive breastfeeding. Also, being married was a positive predictor of exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, we recommend policies that will improve exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in rural areas, especially those targeting the unmarried, to achieve the World Health Organization's target.

Breastfeeding Attitudes and Social Support Among Christian African Americans.

Purpose: To describe the breastfeeding attitudes and subjective norms of breastfeeding among African American Christians from the New England region. Study Design and Methods: A study was conducted using an online survey. Participants were recruited from four Christian churches in the New England region during the summer of 2021. Responses from direct questions about exclusive breastfeeding histories were tabulated. Open-ended question responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Two results were merged to make the conclusions. Results: Participants (n = 101) aged 18-44 years (62.3%), college graduates (72.3%), and Catholics (71.4%) responded. Participants were willing to recommend six months of exclusive breastfeeding practice to relatives (89.9%) and friends/peers (87.9%) and support relatives (94.0%) and friends/peers (94.8%) to practice exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. Breastfeeding attitude themes included beneficial and natural and receiving breastfeeding support. Subjective norms of breastfeeding themes included receiving support for breastfeeding; Christian leadership, teachings, and communal engagements; and gaps in Christian influence. Conclusion: The African American Christian community may be an emergent agent of breastfeeding social support for African American Christian women who chose to breastfeed. Health professionals should collaborate with African American Christian leadership to initiate programs to promote breastfeeding among African American Christian women in the United States.

Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practices in a tertiary hospital of Central India

Background: Breastfeeding is a behavioural act of the mother, one that is affected by demographic, socioeconomic, and faith factors as well as by cultural traditions and beliefs. However, there is little scientific literature on potential gaps between knowledge and standard practices regarding exclusive breastfeeding and its predictors among mothers in central India. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to explore the knowledge, perceptions, practices, and the associated factors of exclusive breastfeeding among urban and rural mothers at a tertiary hospital of central India. Results: A total of 500 post-natal mothers at the study hospital were interviewed to assess their knowledge and practices of exclusive breastfeeding. The study revealed that knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding was 47% while breastfeeding practices for up to six months of babies was reported by only 15% of participants. Breastfeeding within one hour of birth was reported by 31% of mothers. About 62% did not feed colostrum, while 57% fed their baby pre-lacteal feed. Mothers belonging to a rural community, living in joint family, literate, employed, better-off economic status, multigravida, having a previous history of vaginal delivery, and male child, and those counselled regarding breastfeeding during ANC visits had higher knowledge and better practices of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest an urgent need for regular counselling in ANC clinics to promote exclusive breastfeeding among women and their family caregivers. Breastfeeding awareness education programs for all pregnant women are recommended to ensure that mothers learn best practices regarding breastfeeding and its benefits.

Exploring breastfeeding patterns and barriers in a Kerala tertiary care hospital: a cross-sectional study

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is vital for maternal and child health, yet challenges persist. This study in a Kerala tertiary care hospital aimed to assess prevalence, identify barriers, and explore cultural influences. Aim was to determine the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding, uncover the barriers mothers face, and explore cultural factors affecting infant feeding choices. Methods: Utilizing Google forms, 274 postpartum women were surveyed. Participants provided data on awareness, practices, challenges, and factors influencing their infant feeding choices. Results: While 94.9% were aware of the ideal breastfeeding duration, only 74.1% practised exclusive breastfeeding until six months. Inadequate breast milk, sore nipples, and family pressure emerged as challenges. The timing of solid food introduction significantly impacted exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions: Our study offers insights into exclusive breastfeeding practices. Culturally sensitive interventions, comprehensive support systems, and healthcare provider engagement are crucial. This study echoes recent research, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of exclusive breastfeeding practices, calling for diverse and context-specific strategies to empower mothers and ensure infants receive the best nutritional start.

Factors Associated with Mothers Health Seeking Behavior among Newborn Illness.

Inappropriate, delayed and poor health seeking behavior increases the high risk of morbidity and mortality among newborns, infants and children. Newborns health status depends upon mothers' health seeking behavior. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with mother's health seeking behavior among newborn illness in Rupandehi District, Nepal. Community based cross-sectional study among 372 mothers aged 15-49 years was conducted in Rupandehi district Nepal from May to November 2019. Multistage probability random sampling was used as the sampling technique. Siddharthanagar municipality and Mayadevi rural municipality were selected randomly among 16 local units of Rupandehi district. Two wards from each unit were selected by stratified random sampling using non replacement lottery method. As the sample size was 372, ninety three respondents were selected randomly from each ward. The mean age and standard deviation of mothers was 25.32±4.36 years respectively. Among 372 mothers, 21.24% had poor health seeking behavior. Mothers having more than one child (AOR=0.15; CI: 0.02-0.98), primary and above education (AOR=8.89; CI: 3.15-25.08), visited hospital after 24 hours of newborn illness (AOR=13.59; CI: 1.73-106.7), knew danger signs of newborn (AOR=18.74; CI: 5.65-62.23), practiced exclusive breastfeeding (AOR=8.20; CI: 3.36-20.03) were significantly associated with health seeking behavior. Almost 22 % of mothers had poor health seeking behavior regarding their newborn illness. Number of living child, education of mother, appropriate time for treatment, receive health services when there is dangers signs of newborn and exclusive breast feeding practice were independent factors associated with mother's health seeking behavior. Hence, decision-makers and local administrator should provide specific intervention to newborns' mother regarding family planning, identifying and preventing danger signs of newborn, importance of appropriate time of treatment and exclusive breastfeeding.

History of Risky Pregnancies and Failure of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Indonesia

The coverage of exclusive breastfeeding for infants in Indonesia still needs to be higher compared to the national target (80%). Low coverage of exclusive breastfeeding is a risk factor for various nutritional problems in toddlers. The causes of failure of exclusive breastfeeding are multifactorial, including risky pregnancy. This study aims to determine the association of risky pregnancies with the failure of exclusive breastfeeding using national data from the 2017 Indonesian Health Demographic Survey (IDHS) with a cross-sectional design. The study sample that met the criteria was 6,689 mothers with children aged 6-23 months. The independent variable is risky pregnancy (parity, pregnancy spacing, age during pregnancy), and the dependent variable is the failure of exclusive breastfeeding. Data analysis using multivariate logistic regression. The results found that only 26.2% of exclusive breastfeeding practices. Risky pregnancy is associated with the failure of exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers with too much parity risked 1,195 times, mothers with primiparous parity risked 1,716 times, too close birth spacing risked 1,210 times, and too young mothers were 1,267 times more likely not to exclusively breastfeed than mothers who had normal pregnancies after controlling for the area of residence. It is necessary to improve health promotion programs to the public regarding the importance of offering exclusive breastfeeding to infants and improving fertility characteristics.

Exclusive breastfeeding and its association with intimate partner violence during pregnancy: analysis from Pakistan demographic and health survey

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a global social issue and increasingly asks for the attention of policymakers. IPV is one of the main factors that affect the health of pregnant women and their infants during pregnancy and after childbirth; it will not only cause direct harm to women themselves but also reduce women’s exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) behavior and pose a threat to newborn health. Existing facts on the association between IPV and EBF in the Pakistani context are negligible and incomplete to an enduring measure of IPV practice. To this effect, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between EBF and IPV practiced during the prenatal period and post-delivery.MethodsThe statistics study has drawn from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2018. A total of 1191 breastfeeding females aged 15–49 with children under 6 months were selected for the present study. T-test or chi-square test of Univariate test of hypothesis; Logistic regression model was utilized to explore the potential impact of IPV on female exclusive breastfeeding from three dimensions of physical, sexual and psychological violence, to provide data support for the Pakistani government to formulate policies to promote female EBF. All investigations have been performed in STATA software 16.0 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA) at 95% confidence interval.ResultsAmong the 1191 participants, 43.6% (520 / 1191) of the females were EBF, while the rates of physical, sexual, and emotional IPV were 47.44%, 30.23%, and 51.72%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that females who have experienced physical IPV were 32% less likely to be exclusively breastfed (aOR = 0.68; 95% CI; 0.490, 0.980; P < 0.05), the chances of EBF were reduced by 22% in women who experienced IPV (aOR = 0.78; 95 CI; 0.55, 1.00; P < 0.05), females who experienced emotional IPV were 31% less probable to exclusively breastfed (aOR = 0.69; 95% CI; 0.47, 0.92; P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study determines the adverse effects of sexual and psychological violence on EBF practices in women. Policymakers in Pakistan should actively implement assistance programs to reduce IPV, emphasize monitoring women’s experiences of IPV before and after giving birth, and encourage women to break the “culture of silence” when they experience IPV to maximize their access to assistance.

Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia.

Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as the practice of providing infants with breast milk as their sole source of nourishment for the first six months of life. This study investigated the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding practices in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data gathered from 340 mothers attending the Maternity and Childhood Hospital in Makkah provided insights into the demographic profiles and postpartum practices of participants. The study revealed the significance of early breastfeeding initiation and the provision of pre-birth breastfeeding information in extending the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. There was a statistically significant difference between mothers who had Cesarean section deliveries and those who had natural deliveries in terms of exclusive breastfeeding duration. These findings have essential implications for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and future research endeavors, emphasizing the importance of healthcare education and timely support in promoting extended exclusive breastfeeding practices.