Factors Influencing Uptake of Breastfeeding: The Role of Early Promotion in the Maternity Hospital

Rosalia Ragusa, Marina Marranzano, Valentina Lucia La Rosa, Gabriele Giorgianni, Elena Commodari, Rosalba Quattrocchi, Salvatore Cacciola and Vincenzo Guardabasso
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Rosalia Ragusa: Health Technology Assessment Committee, University Hospital “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy
Marina Marranzano: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
Valentina Lucia La Rosa: Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
Gabriele Giorgianni: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
Elena Commodari: Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
Rosalba Quattrocchi: Health Promotion Unit, University Hospital “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy
Salvatore Cacciola: Health Education Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale 3, 95124 Catania, Italy
Vincenzo Guardabasso: Research Promotion Office, University Hospital “G. Rodolico—San Marco”, 95123 Catania, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-13

Abstract: Background: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of breastfeeding at birth points in Sicily and the relevance of the factors influencing the adoption of exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization linked to childbirth. Methods: A survey was conducted to monitor the prevalence of breastfeeding in seven out of nine facilities providing maternity services in the province of Catania (Sicily, Southern Italy) in the years 2016–2018. An online questionnaire was administered using an electronic tablet by the midwife to the mother after discharge. Results: Women who had a higher educational qualification breastfed in a greater proportion (59.6%; odds ratio OR 0.60 for abandoning breastfeeding). Having had a caesarean section moderately impaired breastfeeding uptake, with an almost double chance of declining exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 1.74). Starting breastfeeding within 1 h from delivery showed a significant facilitating effect (OR = 0.58). Rooming-in had a strong facilitating effect on exclusive breastfeeding. A breastfeeding advocacy program was shown to protect from abandoning breastfeeding. Conclusions: It is important to offer in all hospitals the possibility and support for breastfeeding in the first moments after childbirth to increase the number of those who will then continue with exclusive breastfeeding.

Keywords: breastfeeding initiation; breastfeeding cessation; early postpartum; promotion of breastfeeding; nursing support (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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