Breastfeeding of newborns born in the baby-friendly hospital in the first year of life

Abstract

Summary. Objective: To analyze the characteristics of breastfeeding in the first year of life of healthy, full-term newborns born to healthy women in the baby-friendly hospital. Methods. A mixed (retrospective + prospective) study was performed to examine 642 healthy and full-term infants ≥37 weeks who were born to healthy women in 2019 LSMU KK in the Perinatal Center Level III with BFH name and exclusively breastfed from birth. 642 mothers who gave birth were interviewed about breastfeeding characteristics by telephone. Data were analyzed using “The IBM SPSS Statistics 23“ statistical analysis package.  Results. Up to 6 months were breastfed almost 2/3 and by the year 59.4% of all newborns. The most common causes for breastfeeding cessation were personal (26.2%) and infant rejecting breast (25,2%). When analyzing breastfeeding termination for up to 3 months and 3-5 months it was found that the most common reason was insufficient lactation / hungry infant (46,1%, 49,3%). Mothers who breastfed for up to 3 months were more likely to use social networks as a source than mothers who breastfed for longer period of time. Mothers who were breastfeeding for 3-5 months used literature (14,1%) statistically significantly more often than those who breastfed until 12 month (p <0,05). The most common source among women who breastfed 6-11 months (44,6%) and 12 months or more (42,2%) is personal experience. Conclusions. 76.8 percent of newborns born in BFH were breastfed for up to 6 months and 59,4 percent ≥12 months. The most common reasons for discontinuation of breastfeeding were personal and insufficient lactation, less often they stopped breastfeeding because of difficulties. Nearly half of mothers who breastfed for up to 3 months significantly more often cited insufficient lactation/hungry child as a reason for discontinuation of breastfeeding, less often breastfeeding difficulties.Most women stopped breastfeeding for up to 3-5 months and ≥12 months due to insufficient lactation and personal reasons. Mothers who breastfed from 6 to 11 months were most likely to stop breastfeeding because the baby did not want the breast. The study found links between the duration of breastfeeding and the sources of information. It was found that all mothers, regardless of how long they breastfed, relied mostly on personal experience.