Publication:

Breastfeeding practices and experience of mothers during the first seven days of delivery

Background Breastfeeding significantly reduces neonatal morbidity and mortality. The early postnatal period, particularly first seven days after delivery, plays a decisive role in establishing effective breastfeeding practices. Understanding breastfeeding practices, maternal experiences, and associated factors during this critical window is essential for designing targeted interventions. Aim was to assess breastfeeding practices and experiences of mothers during the first seven days after delivery and to identify maternal and delivery-related factors influencing these practices.

Methods A hospital-based observational study was conducted among 235 postnatal mothers over 6 months using a pre-validated structured questionnaire, including socio-demographic characteristics, mode of delivery, antenatal breastfeeding education, delivery to initiation of breastfeeding interval, exclusive breastfeeding status till day 7 postpartum, pre-lacteal feeding, and breastfeeding-related difficulties.

Results The 59.6% mothers were aged 20-30 years, and 56.1% were primipara. Breastfeeding was initiated within two hours of birth by 40% of mothers. Exclusive breastfeeding till day 7 postpartum was practised by 75.74%. Pre-lacteal feeds given by 15.7% colostrum feeding practised by 95.7% of participants. Vaginal delivery was significantly associated with early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding compared to caesarean section (p<0.05). Antenatal Breastfeeding education showed a strong positive association with colostrum feeding (p<0.001). Lack of family support, nipple pain, and perceived insufficient milk were the most common breastfeeding difficulties. Primipara mothers experienced higher breastfeeding difficulties than multipara mothers (p<0.01).

Conclusions Breastfeeding practices during the first seven days postpartum need to be strengthened. Antenatal breastfeeding counselling, early postnatal lactation support, and family support are essential to improve early initiation, exclusivity, and overall breastfeeding experiences.