Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of women about Early Initiation of Breast Feeding

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 head nurse at specialized medical hospital

2 Professor of Woman's Health and Midwifery Nursing, Mansoura University

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is essential for a baby's nourishment and development. It is the most effective way to
reduce infant mortality around the world. Aim: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of
women about early initiation of breastfeeding. Study design: A descriptive cross sectional research design. Setting:
Study was conducted at Antenatal clinic in Obstetrics and Gynecology Center and labour and delivery unit at
Mansoura University Hospitals. Subjects: A purposive sample of 114 women who are attending for previous
predetermined setting. Tools: Two tools were used; structured interview questionnaire and Likert rating scale to
assess women's attitude about early initiation of breastfeeding. Results: However 100% of women know that
breastfeeding is important and the most of them know the colostrum, only less than half had fair level about early
initiation of breastfeeding and (31.6%) had poor level and only (21.9%) had good level of information. Less than
half of mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding until six months. Approximately two thirds of the studied women
had adequate level of early breastfeeding practices, the majority of the studied women had satisfactory level related
overall attitude about early initiation of breastfeeding. Conclusion: The finding showed that a statistically significant
positive relationship between knowledge, attitudes and practices of the studied women and early initiation of
breastfeeding. Also there was a statistically significant difference between mode of delivery of the studied women
and total levels of early breastfeeding practices. Recommendation: Improving the knowledge and practice of
initiation of breastfeeding and colostrum is recommended by counseling women regarding breastfeeding during
ANC visit.
 

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