Objective:
This study aimed to identify breastfeeding problems commonly experienced during the first six months of lactation and the associated risk factors in Almadinah Almonawarah Province.
Methods:
The study was conducted through face-to-face questionnaires filled out by lactating mothers attending the Maternity and Children Hospital and Ohud Hospital in Al-Madinah.
Results:
The majority of mothers (52.8%) encountered breastfeeding difficulties. The most prevalent concerns were insufficient milk (28.6%), uncertainty of appropriate timing for breastfeeding (23.5%), not knowing the proper breastfeeding position (16.6%), solidification of milk (14.4%), and nipple pain (8.6%). There were significant associations between encountering breastfeeding problems and the baby's weight at birth (p-value=0.005), the baby's need for an incubator (p-value= 0.000), the timing of breastfeeding initiation (p-value=0.002), and getting help on correct breastfeeding techniques (p-value=0.032). No significant difference in experiencing breastfeeding problems between mothers who received prenatal breastfeeding education and those who did not (p-value=0.123). A moderate positive correlation was found between the occurrence of breastfeeding problems and prenatal care visits (rs= 0.165, p-value= 0.000) as well as the level of maternal education (rs= 0.107, p-value= 0.000). The need for an incubator, hospital follow-up visits, timing of breastfeeding initiation, receiving help with breastfeeding, and gestational age are predictors for the occurrence of breastfeeding problems.
Conclusion:
Breastfeeding difficulties were prevalent among mothers in Al-Madinah province. Early initiation of breastfeeding, proper positioning, and ongoing postnatal support are crucial factors for successful breastfeeding.
Key words: Breastfeeding problems, maternal risk factors, fetal risk factors, prenatal healthcare, Saudi Arabia.
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