| Sub-title | |
| Authors | H Borg M Buttigieg Said S Attard Montalto |
| Abstract | Background: Malta has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe. Mothers report of a lack of support from family members and health professional and early cessation of breastfeeding remains widespread. Aim: This study reviewed statistics for the first 6 months of life and identified reasons why mothers discontinue breastfeeding. Method: A random sample of 405 new mothers who chose to breastfeed at St Luke's Hospital, were contacted by phone at 1 week post delivery and then each month up to 6 months, and asked to voice their feeding experience. Results: Breastfeeding attrition rates were high with very few babies still breastfed at 6 months. The most common reason for introducing artificial feeding was on the advice of health professionals, usually without any medical indication. Mothers who introduced bottle feeds in hospital lacked confidence to breastfeed and most stopped breastfeeding soon afterwards. Conclusion: This study highlights that the majority of health professionals are not sufficiently committed to supporting breastfeeding mothers. Artificial feeding methods are still widely recommended with no scientific-based rationale and, once advised to do so, many mothers felt that bottle-feeding was necessary for the well being of her child. The introduction of a clear hospital policy and compulsive education for all health professionals involved in maternity care is strongly recommended. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 18 Supplement |
| Page | |
| Date | 01/12/2006 |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | audit, breast feeding, early cessation, lack of support |