Prevalence of ineffective breastfeeding technique and associated factors among lactating mothers attending public health facilities of South Ari district, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

IntroductionImproper positioning, attachment, and suckling are constructs for ineffective breastfeeding technique (IBT). IBT results in inadequate intake of breast milk, which leads to poor weight gain, stunting, and declines immunity. Besides, IBT increases the risk of postpartum breast problems. Despite its impact on maternal and child health, breastfeeding technique is not well studied in Ethiopia. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of IBT and associated factors among lactating mothers attending public health facilities of South Ari district, Southern Ethiopia. Materials and methodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 lactating mothers attending public health facilities of South Ari district from March 1-29, 2019. A structured observational checklist and interviewer-administered questionnaires were used. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were carried out using binary logistic regression to assess the association between explanatory variables and IBT. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. ResultsOverall, the prevalence of IBT was 63.5% [95% confidence interval (CI); 59.0%, 68.0%]. Having no formal education [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.0, 95% CI: 2.3, 10.5], delivering at home [AOR: 4.5; 95% CI; 1.6, 13.1], having breast problems [AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.7], being primiparous [AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.2], not receiving counseling during pregnancy and postnatal period [AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4, 3.9 and AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3, 5.1 respectively] were significantly associated with IBT.

Breastfeeding Technique and Associated Factors among Lactating Mothers Visiting Gondar Town Health Facilities, Northwest Ethiopia: Observational method

“…This shows the use of BFT is poor in women giving birth for the rst time. This is in line with the nding from studies in India, Australia, and Ethiopia (3,37,38,48). This could be due to a reason multiparous mothers might have frequent BFT counseling and exposure previously, which may enable them to acquire and master the skill of breastfeeding, unlike primipara.…”

“…This nding remarks that ANC follow-up has added postpartum purposes beyond assessing pregnancy risks and giving appropriate care. Similar ndings were reported from a study done in Karnataka India, Libya, Harar city, and Ari southern Ethiopia (13,14,36,48). Antenatal counseling may enhance the mother's knowledge and help them to convert this knowledge to practice as early as possible after delivery, whether they get immediate post-natal counseling or not.…”

“…The proportion is considerably higher than the ndings of the study done in the south Ari district of Ethiopia (36.5%) (48). This variation might be because of the difference in the composition of study participants.…”

“…Moreover, mothers who had breast problems like engorgement, mastitis, and crackle were 78% less likely to display effective BFT than those mothers without breast problems, which means the prevention of breast problems is crucial for successful breastfeeding. The same is true in the nding of the studies conducted in Libya, and Eastern and southern Ethiopia (13,14,48). This could be related to the fear of pain and discomfort felt by the mother with the problem during breastfeeding.…”

Striving for sufficient milk to have a healthy late preterm baby: a grounded theory study

“…They modi ed the baby's position to allow good attachment to resolve cracked nipples. Yilak et al (2020) reported that poor positioning was more likely to exhibit ineffective breastfeeding techniques, potentially causing nipple pain [24]. As the mothers had cracked nipples due to ineffective suckle lead to having insu cient milk supply.…”