Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding and its Relationship with the Demographic-Fertility Characteristics of Mothers, in Accordance with the Verses of the Qur'an and Hadiths

Despite proving the benefits of breastfeeding worldwide, a large number of mothers in different countries stop breastfeeding early. The prevalence of the sufficient breastfeeding in most countries is low and unacceptable. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its relationship with variables, as well as enriching the results with Quranic verses and hadiths was done.

The cross-sectional study was conducted on 370 mothers with a six-month-old child. Socio-fertility characteristics of mothers were compared in two groups of exclusive breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding. Quranic verses and hadiths related to this topic were also reviewed.

The mean age of the studied mothers was 28/96± 5/32 years. 66.8% of women had exclusive breastfeeding. According to statistical analysis, the amount of exclusive breastfeeding was related to planned pregnancy (wanted pregnancy) (P. V=0/047) and the type of mother's encouragement and support in breastfeeding (P. V=0. 0001). In verses of the Holy Quran are mentioned to the duration of breastfeeding and the importance of breastfeeding as long as possible, even in critical situations. According to Islamic guidelines, breastfeeding is a value and the breastfeeding mother is rewarded for fighting in the way of God.

Considering that breastfeeding is considered a great act of worship in addition to having many benefits, it is necessary to increase its prevalence. It is very appropriate and valuable to include Quranic and religious concepts in the educational content in order to encourage and more adherence of mothers to breastfeeding.