Beliefs, Attitudes and Practices of Mothers towards Breastfeed- ing Colostrum and Factors As- sociated: Case of the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital

Résumé

Introduction: Varying beliefs, attitudes and practice exist amongst
mothers about the first milk (Colostrum) produced by the mammals
after parturition. However, convincing evidence about the impor-
tance of colostrum to the future health status of the baby exist. The
main of this research was to assess the beliefs, attitudes and prac-
tice of nursing mothers attending the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric
and Paediatric Hospital (YGOPH), towards breastfeeding colostrum
at birth.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted at the
YGOPH, from April 1st to June 30th 2018. Maternal belief, attitude
and practice towards breastfeeding colostrum were assessed.
Results: Of 379 respondents, 82, 58% mothers gave colostrum to
their babies, and knew that It was very good, very nutritive and full of
antibodies to protect their babies, while those who did not breastfeed colostrum 66 (17, 41%) and gave reasons such as: it is not good,
baby was sick; colostrum is dirty; request from a relative not to give
and would make the child sick. Most mother with higher levels of ed-
ucation breastfed colostrum compared to those with lower levels of
education (p=0.0215). Factors associated with breastfeeding colos-
trum was early initiation to breastfeeding (OR=13,63; IC=3,95-4714;
P=0,000),and mother’s source of information, OR=1,779; CI=1,025-
3,081.
Conclusion: Most mothers breastfed colostrum, however due to
limited knowledge and some socio-cultural beliefs some mothers still
avoid breastfeeding colostrum. Thus, educational sessions during
antenatal clinics should be intensified and more sensitization on me-
dia will help reduce ungrounded beliefs also, private sector salaried
mothers should be motivated to breastfeed colostrum, through in-
centives.

Mots-clés

Breastfeeding; Colostrum; Infant young child feeding; Cameroon, nutrition, attitudes and practices of mothers

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