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[Knowledge and attitudes on breastfeeding among parturients]
1Skola narodnog zdravlja Andrija Stampar, Medicinski fakultet Sveucilista u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska. Aida.Mujkic@snz.hr
Unlabelled:
During human history, the natural process of breastfeeding has become ever less present as a mode of infant feeding. Numerous incentives have been introduced worldwide to stop this unfavorable trend.
Aim Of The Study:
The aim of the study was to find the basic attitudes and knowledge about breastfeeding among mothers after delivery while they were at maternity wards.
Methods:
Two surveys were conducted, with 940 participants in 1989-1990, and 626 participants in 1997. The women answered a self administered questionnaire with multiple choice questions. Data from the 1989-1990 and 1997 surveys were analyzed and compared.
Results And Discussion:
A high percentage of women (98%), stated that they wanted to breastfeed their children, but only about 44% of them expected it to be problem-free. A great number of women did not know how and when to estimate milk secretion, or its adequacy for the baby. A significant proportion of the mothers believe that milk of some women is "watery" and thus inappropriate for their children. A great number of mothers (83%), answered correctly that the child need to be fed on demand rather than according to a strict schedule. In the second phase of the survey some positive changes in their knowledge were found, however, yet quite inadequate.
Conclusion:
Comprehensive and continuing education about breastfeeding of future mothers and fathers and the society as a whole is required.