Open AccessTABOOS AND MYTHS REGARDING BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES IN PREGNANT POPULATION
Author(s) -
Faiza Ibrar,
Naila Khursheed,
Shamsul Qamar,
Atikka Masud,
Bushra Ifthikhar,
Seema Gul
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pakistan armed forces medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2411-8842
pISSN - 0030-9648
DOI - 10.51253/pafmj.v71i5.4765
Subject(s) - medicine , breastfeeding , breast milk , likert scale , obstetrics , breast feeding , population , parity (physics) , family medicine , nonprobability sampling , gynecology , pediatrics , environmental health , psychology , developmental psychology , biochemistry , chemistry , physics , particle physics
Objective: To determine the taboos and myths regarding breastfeeding practices in our pregnant population.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from May to Oct 2018.
Methodology: A total of 100 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics were included in the study using non-probability purposive sampling technique. Taboos and myths regarding breast feeding practices were determined using self-administered questionnaire on 2-point Likert scale (1=agree & 2=disagree).
Results: A total of 100 pregnant women participated in the study. Mean parity was 2.89 ± 1.75 and gravidity was 4.17 ± 2.04. Most of the mothers (90%) were house wives and received information regarding breast feeding from family members (81%). Mothers were aware of the nutritious value of breast milk as compared to formula milk. However, there were myths that were not evidence based. These include: breasts sag with breast feeding (48%), it is not necessary to breast feed the baby during night time (43%), breast milk alone was not sufficient to satisfy the child (51%), small size breast produce insufficient milk (27%).
Conclusion: Participants of this study are aware of the importance of breast feeding. However, there are certain taboos and myths prevailing in our population which are not proven scientifically.