Factors affecting the mother’s choice of infant feeding method in Poland: a cross-sectional preliminary study in Poland

Abstract

Background The World Health Organization identifies exclusive breastfeeding as the gold standard for child nutrition. Breastfeeding provides many benefits to both the baby and the mother. First days after birth are crucial for breastfeeding and determining its further path. Unfortunately, very often it is also the time of facing the first breastfeeding problems. The aim of this study was to analyse selected factors influencing a mother’s decision to breastfeed. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted between March 2019 and November 2019 in selected Polish maternity wards. Data were collected through completion of author’s questionnaire and a standardised questionnaire and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale and also through informal interviews with mothers. During statistical analysis, the chi-square test of independence and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test as well as the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test in addition to Fisher’s exact test were performed. Results The results showed that there is no correlation between the mode of delivery and the mother’s choice of infant feeding method. Knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding and received support affects the mother’s decision on infant feeding method. The study also showed that the 83% of newborns were put to the breast within the first 2 h after birth. However, only 58% continued to be breastfed in the subsequent days. As many as 42% of the newborns were supplemented with formula despite early initiation of breastfeeding. Analyses showed that exclusive breastfeeding was more often chosen by mothers with higher education. And the most common breastfeeding problem reported by 62% of the respondents was perceived insufficient milk supply and also breastfeeding pain, reported in 48.5% mothers. Conclusions It is extremely important to continually promote breastfeeding among women. The role of midwives is crucial in this regard, as they should encourage the initiation of breastfeeding, support mothers during the perinatal and postnatal periods, and increase their sense of competence and confidence in their ability to breastfeed. Accessible, professional, and empathetic support can help reduce the number of women supplementing with modified milk. Undoubtedly, the postpartum period is important for breastfeeding outcomes, but it is significant that breastfeeding education and promotion begin during pregnancy.

Formula feeding and associated factors among mothers with infants 0–6 months old in Mettu Town, Southwest Ethiopia

“…The main reasons for the initiation of formula feeding in this study were insufficient breast milk (42.3%), being busy with work (34.6%), and sluggish baby growth (23.1%). Similar to studies conducted in Dire-Dawa that reported breast milk insufficiency (85%) and busy with work (10%) (Dagne et al, 2019), Hangzhou and Shenzhen, China, reported perceived insufficient breast milk (86.2%), followed by a return to work (24.6%) (Tang et al, 2014), while in Poland, 62% of participants reported perceived insufficient breast milk (Rozensztrauch et al, 2021).…”

“…The prevalence of formula feeding in this study is comparable with a study conducted in Agaro Town, which was found to be 29% (Seid et al, 2019), and Dire‐Dawa, which was 21.4% (Dagne et al, 2019), whereas it was higher compared to the study conducted at Holeta (13.5%) (Kebebe & Assaye, 2017) and Gonder (12.4%) (Asfaw Admasu, 2016). The prevalence of formula feeding in this study was lower compared to the study conducted in Jimma (65%) (Abebe et al, 2019), Adis Abeba 47% (Taye et al, 2021), China 88% (Tang et al, 2015), Staten Island, New York 65% (Pierro et al, 2016), Pakistan 38% (Ijaz et al, 2015), Poland 42% (Rozensztrauch et al, 2021), East Malaysia 73.7% (Yee & Chin, 2007), Egypt 47% (Tawfik et al, 2019), and Nigeria 38.3% (Leshi & Sanusi, 2014). The inconsistency could be attributed to the result of differences in the current study's operational definition of formula feeding, socioeconomic status differences among study participants, and study period.…”

“…Poland 42% (Rozensztrauch et al, 2021), East Malaysia 73.7% (Yee & Chin, 2007), Egypt 47% (Tawfik et al, 2019), and Nigeria 38.3% (Leshi & Sanusi, 2014). The inconsistency could be attributed to the result of differences in the current study's operational definition of formula feeding, socioeconomic status differences among study participants, and study period.…”

Development and Pilot Testing of a Comprehensive and Culturally-sensitive Infant Feeding Structured Questionnaire: A Cross-sectional Design

“…The literature identi ed that mothers returning to work was a signi cant predictor of intention to continue breastfeeding [21]. Other common breastfeeding problems reported were pain and perceived inadequate breastmilk [27]. A qualitative study identi ed perceived challenges to breastfeeding including judgement from others for breastfeeding in the public or using a bottle, even with expressed breastmilk [28].…”

Newborn Feeding Knowledge and Attitudes among Medical Students

“…Moreover, encouraging students to actively participate in classroom discussions and making sure they are active listeners and contribute their own ideas through formal discussion can be beneficial for them to understand complex topics more easily. This would help prepare future health professionals to guide families about the benefits and risks of different types of nutrition, as well as provide the necessary skills to recognize and treat complications related to this process [ 57 , 58 ].…”