Research Article
Determinants of Initiation of Breastfeeding: A Cross-Sectional Study
Gohiya P1* and Sonkar R2
1Department of Pediatrics, GMC, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
2Department of Pediatrics, PGMO District Hospital Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, India
2Department of Pediatrics, PGMO District Hospital Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, India
*Corresponding author:Dr Poorva. Gohiya, Department of Pediatrics, GMC, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. E-mail Id: gohiyapoorva@gmail.com
Article Information:Submission: 09/07/2025; Accepted: 12/08/2025; Published: 15/08/2025
Copyright: © 2025 Gohiya P, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding is essential for the well-being of infants as well as mothers, providing numerous health benefits and promoting bonding. [1]However, improper breastfeeding practices contribute to neonatal mortality, accounting for significant proportion of child deaths under five. This study aims to investigate factors associated with initiation of breastfeeding.
Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one year, involving 500 mothers-neonate dyads, admitted in the postnatal ward. Socioeconomic and maternal factors, including maternal stress, were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) [2]. Early initiation of breastfeeding was defined as breastfeeding starting within one hour of birth.
Results: Majority of mothers (71.8%) were aged 18-25 years and resided in urban areas (66.6%). Most mothers (88.2%) were housewives. Maternal stress assessment revealed that 73% had low stress, and 82.6% did not report any depression. Maternal age, parity, delivery mode, pregnancy complications, and pain interfering with breastfeeding were associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding. On multivariate analysis, cesarean section (LSCS) and pain (various reasons) were the two main factors which contributed to delayed initiation of breastfeeding.
Conclusion: Understanding these factors can aid in promoting early breastfeeding initiation and addressing challenges faced by mothers. Improving breastfeeding practices is crucial to reduce neonatal and child mortality, enhance maternal and infant health, and strengthen the mother-infant bond. Health interventions and support programs should target the identified factors to foster optimal breastfeeding practices and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one year, involving 500 mothers-neonate dyads, admitted in the postnatal ward. Socioeconomic and maternal factors, including maternal stress, were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) [2]. Early initiation of breastfeeding was defined as breastfeeding starting within one hour of birth.
Results: Majority of mothers (71.8%) were aged 18-25 years and resided in urban areas (66.6%). Most mothers (88.2%) were housewives. Maternal stress assessment revealed that 73% had low stress, and 82.6% did not report any depression. Maternal age, parity, delivery mode, pregnancy complications, and pain interfering with breastfeeding were associated with delayed initiation of breastfeeding. On multivariate analysis, cesarean section (LSCS) and pain (various reasons) were the two main factors which contributed to delayed initiation of breastfeeding.
Conclusion: Understanding these factors can aid in promoting early breastfeeding initiation and addressing challenges faced by mothers. Improving breastfeeding practices is crucial to reduce neonatal and child mortality, enhance maternal and infant health, and strengthen the mother-infant bond. Health interventions and support programs should target the identified factors to foster optimal breastfeeding practices and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Keywords:Breastfeeding; Cross-Sectional Study; Neonatal Mortality; Maternal Stress; Pain