1.1 Introduction
Breast feeding which is the act of feeding babies with breast milk. This is a universal cultural practice among human species of all races. However, there are commonly observable variations in the frequency and exclusiveness of application of breast milk in the feeding of babies. Nurses play a major role in the promotion and implementation of Primary Health care (Paho, 2021). Breastfeeding is a fundamental aspect of maternal and infant health, yet its practice and perception among postnatal women vary significantly across cultures and societies. Understanding these variations is essential for designing effective interventions to promote breastfeeding and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Breastfeeding is not only a natural process but also a critical determinant of infant health and development. Despite its recognized benefits, global breastfeeding rates remain suboptimal, with significant variations observed across regions and communities. Understanding the underlying factors influencing breastfeeding perceptions and practices among postnatal women is essential for designing effective interventions to promote breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity. Research suggests that socio-cultural norms, healthcare practices, maternal knowledge and beliefs, workplace support, and marketing influences play significant roles in shaping breastfeeding behaviors. However, there is a need for further exploration of these factors within diverse socio-cultural contexts to develop targeted strategies that address the specific challenges faced by postnatal women.
The World Health Organization WHO (2001) received the optional duration of EBF to six months of life. The second type of breastfeeding, predominant breastfeeding (PBF), on the other hand, implies that the infants predominant source of nourishment is breast milk. The infant in this type receives in addition of breast milk, water and water based drinks (WHO 2001). Complimentary breastfeeding (CBF) or mixed feeding occurs where factory produced baby formula is the primary source of nourishment for the infant, the breast milk given occasionally. This practice offers mother chance to attend to their daily activities while nannies and house helps attend to babies: This present study was however concerned with exclusive breastfeeding.
Promotion of breastfeeding, particularly EBF, has been the focus of many public health and nutrition programmes and activities in recent years. Thus a joint World health Organization/ united Nations children’s fund (WHO/UNICEF) meeting on infant and young child feeding was held in Genera in 1979 and the emphasis was on breast feeding. In 1981 The combined force of the W.H.O and UNICEF produced the W.H.O international code of marketing of breast milk substitute. The main aim of the code obviously was to safeguard the practice of breast feeding. To enhance breastfeeding practices, WHO launched the baby friendly hospital initiative in 1992 as a primary intervention strategy for promoting and strengthening national health systems. The initiative has been implemented in 138 countries (including Nigeria) and the number of hospitals world wide designated baby friendly has risen from 6,300 in 1995 to nearly 40,000 by mid 2008 (WHO, 2009).
This, of course, could be the mother-in-law, father-in-law, or any of the extended family members who is close by. in the urban area, the nuclear family predominates and the decision to adopt breastfeeding will be only between the woman and her husband. Apart from this, the mother in the urban area may have to go to school or work which will take her out of the house regularly. This may have an impact on adoption of EBF, since the mother is likely not going to school with her baby and may not have opportunity to comeback and breastfeed the baby when necessary.
Occupation of the mother places the mother in a social class. The mother may tend to follow what is fashionable or acceptable within the social class in which she be long (Wanmani and Tumwine, 2005). These dwindling attitudes regarding the practice of exclusive and non-exclusive breastfeeding have been attributed to several socio-economic, cultural and socio-demographic factors as it affects the development of children. Thus, this research project purposed to investigate the perceptions and practices of breastfeeding among postnatal women, Nigeria.
1.3 Statement of Problem
Investigation revealed that postnatal women often face barriers such as limited access to lactation support services, inadequate workplace accommodations, and societal stigma, which hinder their ability to initiate and sustain breastfeeding. Also, healthcare provider attitudes and practices can significantly influence breastfeeding outcomes. Issues such as insufficient breastfeeding education during prenatal care, inappropriate supplementation practices, and limited postnatal support can undermine breastfeeding initiation and continuation.
Furthermore, aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes and misinformation disseminated through media channels can undermine breastfeeding efforts. Understanding the impact of marketing strategies on maternal decision-making is crucial for promoting breastfeeding as the optimal feeding choice for infants. Addressing these problems requires a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing breastfeeding perceptions and practices among postnatal women.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the perceptions and practices of breastfeeding among postnatal women. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows to:
- Identify barriers faced by postnatal women in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding, as well as factors that facilitate successful breastfeeding outcomes;
- Investigate how cultural norms and beliefs influence perceptions and practices of breastfeeding among postnatal women;
- Evaluate the role of healthcare services and support systems in facilitating or hindering breastfeeding practices;
- Examine the influence of marketing strategies for breast milk substitutes and infant feeding products on maternal decision-making regarding breastfeeding; and
- Assess postnatal women’s knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding, their beliefs surrounding infant feeding, and the impact of these factors on breastfeeding practices.
1.5 Research Questions
This study sought to provide answers to the following specific research questions:
- Do the breastfeeding mothers know how important the exclusive breastfeeding is and how to do it?
- Do they have confidence and where do they turn to when they face difficulty?
- Are there barriers faced by postnatal women in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding, as well as factors that facilitate successful breastfeeding outcomes?
- What are the cultural norms and beliefs influence perceptions and practices of breastfeeding among postnatal women?
- What is the influence of marketing strategies for breast milk substitutes and infant feeding products on maternal decision-making regarding breastfeeding?
- What are the role of healthcare services and support systems in facilitating or hindering breastfeeding practices?
- What is the postnatal women’s knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding, their beliefs surrounding infant feeding, and the impact of these factors on breastfeeding practices?
1.6 Significance of Study
Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in maternal and child health, yet its practice is influenced by a myriad of factors that vary across different socio-cultural contexts. Understanding the perceptions and practices of breastfeeding among postnatal women is of paramount importance for several reasons:
- Maternal and Child Health: Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both mothers and infants, including reduced risk of infections, improved cognitive development, and lower rates of chronic diseases. Investigating factors that affect breastfeeding practices can contribute to improving maternal and child health outcomes.
- Public Health Policy: Findings from this study can inform the development of evidence-based public health policies and interventions aimed at promoting breastfeeding. By identifying barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding initiation and continuation, policymakers can implement targeted strategies to create supportive environments for postnatal women.
- Healthcare Practices: Understanding the role of healthcare services and support systems in facilitating breastfeeding is crucial for improving the quality of maternal and infant healthcare. Healthcare providers can use insights from this study to enhance breastfeeding education, counseling, and support services for postnatal women.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing the influence of cultural norms and beliefs on breastfeeding practices is essential for providing culturally sensitive care to diverse populations. Tailoring interventions to address cultural barriers and leverage cultural strengths can help improve breastfeeding rates among postnatal women from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
- Economic Impact: Breastfeeding has significant economic implications, including reduced healthcare costs, improved productivity, and decreased environmental impact. Promoting breastfeeding can lead to substantial cost savings for healthcare systems and society as a whole.
1.7 Scope of Study
This scope of this research is focused on the Perceptions and Practices of Breastfeeding among Postnatal Women using Abi Local government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria as a case study.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.9 Operational Definition of Terms
Breastfeeding:
It is the act of feeding an infant with breast milk, providing essential nutrients and antibodies for optimal growth and development.
Postnatal Women:
Women who have recently given birth and are in the period following childbirth, commonly referred to as the postpartum period.
Perceptions:
It is the beliefs, attitudes, and subjective understandings that individuals hold about breastfeeding, including cultural, social, and personal interpretations.
Practices:
The behaviors and actions related to breastfeeding, encompassing initiation, duration, exclusivity, and supplementation with breast milk substitutes.
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