Breastfeeding Practices among Mothers of Babies Admitted to Nicu, Tah, Addis Ababa, and Factors Influencing Practices
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Date
2012
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding within the first hour of life is a potential mechanism for health promotion and is the basis for improved quality & quantity of milk production. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of timely initiation of breastfeeding and to investigate predictors of early initiation of breast feeding among mothers of babies admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving all mothers of babies admitted to the NICU from June through September, 2012. A total of 429 mother-infant pairs were included in this study. Information about mother and baby characteristics, pregnancy, birth, and time of breastfeeding initiation was collected in the first 72 hours after delivery, through interviews with mothers and use of hospital records.The data gathered were stored and analyzed using the SPSS 20, IBM 2011. The chi-square & Kruskal-Wallis1-way ANOVA and binary logistic regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between breastfeeding within the first hour and different variables. Results: The prevalence of timely initiation among mother-infant pairs was 13.8%; breast feeding initiation within 72 hours after delivery was 79.3%. Timely initiation of breastfeeding (initiation of breast feeding within one hour of delivery) was associated with vaginal delivery [aOR: 2.919(95%C.I: 1.185-7.189)], P = 0.02. and with term delivery [aOR: 6.26(95%C.I: 2.126-18.431)], P = 0.001. Conclusions: In order to improve the rates of breastfeeding within the first hour of life, health care professionals and policy makers must promote the factors favoring this practice such as improving rate of vaginal delivery and full term birth, through giving emphasis on early booking and regular antenatal follow ups, early detection and correction of vulnerable situations that may lead to C/S &/or preterm birth. Prenatal education and guidance regarding the advantages of breastfeeding, and promotion of this practice in vulnerable situations such as mothers with cesarean section and preterm birth is also recommended. This study can be used as basis for further and broader study.
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Keywords
Breastfeeding; Nicu, Tah