Barriers for Continuation of Breast Feeding among Primipara Mothers

Abstract

reastfeeding is considered one of the most effective means for the infant health; the mothers’ breast milk contains nutritional, hormonal and microbial contents that prevent any infections which cause problems to the infants. Breastfeeding provides optimal source of nutrition for infants in the first 6 months and when continued up to two years. Breastfeeding provides many short and long term benefits for mothers as it prevents ovarian and breast cancer, hemorrhage, osteoporosis and postpartum depression (Holmes et al., 2019; Paynter et al., 2019). Many barriers lead to early cessation of breastfeeding; maternal factors which include younger mothers, mothersʼ sickness especially after caesarean sections, the infants' health problems, nipplesʼ problems and lack of emotional and family support, also mothersʼ work for a long time. Therefore, they need BF counseling, family support to increase decision and self-efficacy regarding BF (Chen et al., 2019; Kuliukas et al., 2019). Aim of the Study: The present study aims to assess barriers to continued breastfeeding among primipara mothers through: 1- Assessing primipara mothers' knowledge about breast feeding.