Community-based study of problems faced by breastfeeding urban women

Abstract

This interview-based cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban community in Thane, located about 30 km from Mumbai in Western India. A total of 199 currently breastfeeding women, who had given written informed consent, were interviewed by a female researcher using a pre-tested pre-validated questionnaire, at mutually suitable timings, either at participant’s homes or at a place convenient to them. The mean age of homemakers (n=72) was 27.93±4.23 years (95% CI: 26.95-28.91 years) while that for the employed women (n=127) was 30.73±3.42 years (95% CI: 30.14-31.33 years). Common problems (latching problems, backache, other pain, family pressure and lack of privacy) were associated with socio-economic status, lack of breastfeeding advice, lack of awareness regarding benefits of colostrum and gender of the baby. Health professionals would need specific knowledge, attitudes and skills so that they can help in prevention and management of community-specific problems faced by breastfeeding mothers.