Indications of Cesarean Section and its Impact on Breastfeeding Initiation, Duration, Method of Feeding and Difficulties in the First 6 Months Postpartum in Rania City

Abstract

Background: Breastmilk is vital in attaining newborn health and optimum growth and
development. Early initiation of breastfeeding which is affected by way of delivery has great
importance for both mothers and newborns. The main aim of this study is to assess breastfeeding
barriers and difficulties among mothers undergo cesareans section.
Methodology: A cross sectional, descriptive study was conducted among a convenience
sample of 100 mothers having 6-24-month age children which were born through cesarean
section in Rania city. The data were collected using a questionnaire format with face to face
interviewing technique from 15th to 27th December 2021. Validity and reliability of the data
collection tool was attained (r.=0.73) and data were analyzed using SPSS.

Results:
More than half of mothers were at the age of 24-35 years old. The highest percentage of mothers
42% were at the highest level of education and the majority of them 82% were house wife. Most
of the mothers 79% were at barely sufficient monthly income. About half of the cesarean
deliveries 47% were emergency. Only 36% of the mother’s initiate feeding within first hour and
54% of them practiced exclusive breastfeeding for the first day following delivery. Highest
percentage of mothers mentioned pain as a main difficulty for breastfeeding within the first day
of life, while insufficient milk was the main difficulty following that period. There were no
significant association between breastfeeding history, difficulties of breastfeeding and
indications of cesarean section.
Conclusion:
Cesarean delivery adversely affected timely initiation of breast feeding and continuing for the
age of six months. Different indications of cesarean delivery had no significant association with
the history of breastfeeding and its difficulties.