Factors Associated with Discotinuation of Exclusive Breast Feeding by First Time Mothers

Backgrounfd & Maternal exclusive breast feeding for the first 6 months of newborn's life has been recommended by World Health Organization. Recently, a high incidence of breast feeding discontinuation has been reported in Iran. Accordingly this study was done with the aim of determining the factors associated with discontinuation of exclusive breast feeding by first time mothers. It was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The study sample (n=331) was selected by conveniece sampling among first time mothers admitted to Shahid Akbar Abadi hospital. Data was collected by questionnaire and a check list. The condition of exclusive breast feeding was followed by phone after delivery. The data was analyzed using SPSS-PC (v.12). Exclusive breast feeding was observed in 52.6% of the sample. The reasons for discontinuation of exclusive breast feeding included maternal factors (low breast feeding self efficacy, mother's perception of inadequacy of the breast milk, lactation problems related to breast, feeding of baby by others) (38.9%0), neonatal factors (colic, hyperbilirobionemia, low birth weight)(21.7%), and a combination of these factors (39.5%). Modification of maternal and neonatal barriers to exclusive breast feeing would be a good way for breast feeding adherence. Giving breast feeding information to low experienced mothers is recommended.