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Breastfeeding support in low and middle-income countries: Secondary analysis of national survey data.
- Source :
-
Midwifery [Midwifery] 2020 Mar; Vol. 82, pp. 102601. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Dec 10. - Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding can reduce infant mortality. Breastfeeding support interventions such as counselling may improve adherence to recommended practices. However, it is not known if these interventions work at the population level.<br />Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between early postnatal breastfeeding support and recommended breastfeeding practices.<br />Design/setting: We pooled data from 11 Demographic and Health Surveys in Africa (n = 7), South East Asia (n = 2), the Americas (n = 1), and Europe (n = 1) to analyse these associations at the population level.<br />Participants: We limited the data to the most recent live births in the two years before the survey, including 41,431 births.<br />Analysis: We fitted three multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the relationship between early postnatal breastfeeding support (a newborn postnatal check within an hour of birth plus counselling and observation of breastfeeding within two days) and three breastfeeding outcomes (early initiation of breastfeeding, absence of prelacteal feeding, and exclusive breastfeeding), adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and birth-related factors.<br />Findings: Early breastfeeding support was associated with a 24% increase (OR=1.24 95%CI=1.11,1.39) in the odds of initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth. No relationships were found between breastfeeding support and prelacteal feeding in the first three days or exclusive breastfeeding at six months.<br />Key Conclusion: While postnatal breastfeeding counselling and observation may improve early initiation of breastfeeding, impact is not persistent for longer term breastfeeding outcomes.<br />Implication for Practice: Improved training for breastfeeding support and an enabling policy environment are required to improve breastfeeding practices for women and newborns.<br />Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. The contents expressed in the article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of the organisations they are affiliated with.<br /> (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)
- Subjects :
- Adult
Africa
Americas
Asia, Southeastern
Breast Feeding methods
Breast Feeding statistics & numerical data
Europe
Humans
Infant
Infant Mortality
Infant, Newborn
Logistic Models
Postnatal Care methods
Postnatal Care psychology
Postnatal Care standards
Surveys and Questionnaires
Breast Feeding psychology
Developing Countries statistics & numerical data
Social Support
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1532-3099
- Volume :
- 82
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Midwifery
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 31935650
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2019.102601