Impact of Breastfeeding Promotion Program on Breastfeeding Pattern, Behavior and Problem Management among Maternal and Child Health Clients in Assiut

Abstract

Interventions to promote breastfeeding have been highly successful in areas where indigenous population has a well-established environment of breastfeeding. However, programs designed to improve breastfeeding patterns in urban populations have met with mixed success. The current investigation presents a prospective intervention study with a control group. The study aimed at designing, implementing, and evaluating Breastfeeding Promotion Program (BFPP). It was conducted at two MCH centers in Assiut, Egypt. Only the intervention group, being recruited in EI-Walidyea MCH center, was subjected to the program, while the control group received the routine care provided in the other MCH center (Gharb El-Balad). The BFPP included the following basic interventions: (a) activities at the prenatal clinic, (b) training of midwives and nursing staff of the MCH center, (c) prospective postnatal activities. Major findings included significantly earlier initiation rate among intervention (63.9%) than control group (32.2%) (p<0.001 ), with significantly higher percentage of intervention infants given colostrum as first food after birth (63.5% versus 30.9%). A significantly higher percentage of intervention group mothers (90.0% versus 70.9%) were breastfeeding eight times or more per 24 hours (p<0.001 ), with all intervention mothers practicing night feeding versus 83. 9% of control group mothers. Proper positioning and attachment, as well as effective suckling were observed in significantly higher percentages of intervention group (p<0.001), contributing to less encountered problems with