Exploration of Saudi Mothers Cultural Practices related to Exclusive Breastfeeding during First Six Month of Infant Life

Abstract

Introduction: Around the world women breastfeed without question, there is a natural assumption that the breast will be offered to the newborn infant and that breast milk will nourish the infant until weaning. However, cultural beliefs and traditions passed down by the family and friends influences the mothers’ breastfeeding experience. Previous researches about breastfeeding in Saudi Arabia have been mostly using quantitative methods of research looking at rough numbers. Study Objective: Explore and describe the breastfeeding live experience and Cultural Practices related to Exclusive breastfeeding of Saudi women who live in Al Ahsa city, Easter Region, KSA. Methods: Qualitative, in-depth interview utilized in the study. Data collected till reaching saturation from twenty mothers who were recruited from PHC Clinics during their baby’s immunization visit at six month. Results: The findings highlighted that all mothers initiated breastfeeding, some were hesitant to feed the infant the colostrum. Unfortunately, all mothers started supplementation early in infant life because some cultural practices and social influences mandates giving the baby some foods that is believed to bless the baby. Husband was the most influential family member and getting pregnant again was a reason to stop breastfeeding. Conclusion: The breastfeeding experience is not an isolated event but one that exists in a social context. Despite mothers initiate and admire the health benefits of breastfeeding, barriers to exclusive breastfeeding still remain. Bottle feeding became the norm with the societal modernization; women employment, and life styles, social support is not there, and non-spaced pregnancies. Understanding of the cultural practices related to can assist health professionals to provide culturally comptent interventions.

Is the Frequency of Postpartum Breastfeeding Counseling Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding at Six Months? An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

“…This collaborative approach yields a total of five post-hospitaldischarge breastfeeding counseling intercepts. However, a qualitative study, although not generalizable, revealed that mothers in Al-Ahsa city do not experience this ideal approach lined out by the ministry [35]. Other studies in Saudi Arabia highlighted that postpartum breastfeeding knowledge was obtained from social media and online sources more than health care providers in postpartum health visits [11,15,19].…”

Breastfeeding Practices and Associated Factors among Immigrant Muslim Arab Women Living in a Metropolitan Area of the Southwest of United States

“…Researchers from Arab countries have reported mixed feeding as a common feeding practice. 6,21,22,24,25 Supplementation with formula often starts around four months The most common reasons for mixed feeding were insufficient milk, return to work/ school, the belief that mixed feeding is the ideal method of feeding, and various breastfeeding difficulties. 21,22,29 Other studies reported difficulties in managing breastfeeding problems (eg, difficulty in positioning and latching, nipple soreness, pain, infection).…”

“…Religious teachings are reported as valuable sources of motivation that promote breastfeeding in this group of women. [6][7][8][9][10] Although Muslim Arab mothers are motivated to breastfeed from religious teaching, they often lack the knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding practices or hold cultural myths that hinder successful breastfeeding. [11][12][13] For example, prelacteal feeding (eg, water, sugar water, salt solution, crushed dates, artificial milk, animal milk, yogurt, gripe water, herbal tea, and black tea) is given for the first three days after delivery based on the belief that it cleanses the bowels of the newborn until the mother produces "white" milk.…”