Breastfeeding in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Yalgado Ouedraogo Teaching Hospital: Knowledge, Practices and Factors Affecting Early Initiation

Breastfeeding is a practice that has existed since the beginning of procreation. The rate of early initiation of breastfeeding at birth remains modest. The objective of this study was to assess women's knowledge of breastfeeding and to look for factors influencing the early initiation of breastfeeding. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Yalgado Ouedraogo teaching Hospital using a structured questionnaire to 320 women in the 1st week of postpartum period from June 1st, 2014 to September 15th 2014. Majority of women (83.8%) believe that exclusive breastfeeding is possible. Colostrum is a good food for 45.6% of mothers. Mothers who knew the ideal time of breastfeeding initiation accounted for 33.8%. More than half of the mothers (56.2%) did not know the benefits of breastfeeding. Only 25.7% started breastfeeding within one hour after delivery. Other substances were added very early to breastfeeding in 30% of cases. Educational level, marital status, delivery route, and knowledge of breastfeeding initiation time would influence the early initiation of breastfeeding. Although breastfeeding is a natural practice in many countries, its benefits are not well known by mothers. The promotion of breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding, must be based on strengthening the knowledge of new mothers.