Early Initiation of Breastfeeding and Prelacteal Feeding among Women Attending Postnatal Clinic in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Abstract

One of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund recommendations for improved feeding of infants and young children is breastfeeding. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of breastfeeding, the practice of early initiation of breastfeeding and the practice of prelacteal feeding in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.  This cross-sectional study was conducted among 249 women attending the six-week postnatal clinic in Port Harcourt, Rivers State South-South Nigeria. The data collection was done using a questionnaire. The Statistical Product and Services Solutions version 25.0 was used for data analysis. A total of 167 (67.1%) knew that breastfeeding should be commenced within one hour of birth and 73 (29.3%) knew prelacteal feeding should not be practiced. Breastfeeding together with prelacteal feeding was commenced within one hour of birth by 59 (23.7%) of respondents. The prevalence of prelacteal feeding in this study was 30.9%. The practice of prelacteal feeding was significantly associated with early initiation of breastfeeding (p=0.022; X2=7.655), mode of delivery (p=0.008; X2=9.691), and baby’s birth weight (p=0.005; X2=10.779). In conclusion, there is poor practice of early initiation of breastfeeding and    high prevalence of prelacteal feeding. Interventions should focus on encouraging                  women to initiate breastfeeding early and educating them on the disadvantages of prelacteal feeding.