Myths and Facts of Mothers about Breast Feeding in Egypt: An Assessment Study

Abstract

Breastfeeding is recognized as the most appropriate mode for infant feeding. Providing several short-term and long-term benefits for both infants and mothers, according to WHO recommendations, children should be exclusively breastfed during the first 6 months of life on demand, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary food up to 2 years of age or beyond. Breastfeeding initiation should be within the first hour of life. Most infants today still do not receive the full benefits of breastfeeding, leaving millions at unnecessary risk of illness and death, and most health workers lack the skills and knowledge needed to help mothers improve their feeding practices. The main barrier to breast feeding is the lack of knowledge about proper infant feeding practices in addition to lack of supportive environment. Traditional infant feeding practices were often influenced by myths and misconception. Common myths among mothers about breast feeding include: Mother with small breast does not have enough milk for baby, nipples of the mother should be washed every feeding, breast feeding hurts normally, breast