Assessment of early initiation of breast feeding practice in Gandhi Memorial Hospital Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: A healthy start in life is the most precious gift one can give to a new born child. Breast milk can make the difference between healthy growth and malnutrition, between life and death. About one-fourth to one-half of all infant deaths in developing countries occurs in the first week of life. Immediate breastfeeding within the first hour, followed by early exclusive breastfeeding, improves the health and survival status of newborns. Objective: To assess practice of early time initiation of breastfeeding and to identify determinants in Gandhi Memorial Hospital. Method: Cross-sectional institutional based survey was conducted with structured questionnaire among 451 mothers who delivered in Gandhi Memorial Hospital from February 23 to March 20, 2011, and supplemented by Focus Group Discussion (FGD) design with service provider. Results: The level of timely initiation of breastfeeding in Gandhi Memorial Hospital was 27.9%. In multivariate analysis after adjusting for other variable in the model, caesarean section delivery (AOR=0.07, 95% CI= 0.03 to 0.19), prenatal counseling on breastfeeding (AOR= 2.22, 95% CI=1.30 to 3.79), informed about breastfeeding from the mass media (AOR=2.08, 95% CI=1.07 to 4,05), informed about time of initiation of breastfeeding (AOR=12.99, 95% CI=6.80, 24.81) and pre-lacteal feeding (AOR=0.05, 95% CI=0.01 to 0.38) were independent predictors of timely initiation of breastfeeding. Conclusion and Recommendation: The practice of early time initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of delivery was very low. Intervention measures are needed to increase the prevalence of timely initiation of breast feeding. Prenatal counseling and mass media communication are the primary measures. To give complete and timely advice, during prenatal, delivery and postnatal care; trained health professionals and improving delivery room set up is needed.