ABSTRACT
Breast feeding is the best start in life of each child and breast milk is the most complete food in the first 4 to 6 months. However, one million children die of inadequate intake of breast milk each year. With respect to the importance of this milk in the health of mothers and children and high figures of Cesarean section in many countries, the effects of delivery type on breast feeding duration are unknown. This descriptive comparative study was conducted to compare breast-feeding patterns in two normal vaginal delivery [NVD] and Cesarean section groups. 140 pairs of mothers and newborn babies were selected in 2 groups. Initial sampling was started at 6 teaching hospitals in Tehran from March 2004 to May 2004. Data collection tools included 2 questionnaires and 1 observational checklist. Breast-feeding patterns were assessed according to definitions of WHO and such parameters as starting time of breast feeding. Mothers were followed up each month at their homes over the first 3 months after delivery. Qui-square, t-student, and Fisher statistical tests were used for data analysis. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of breast-feeding patterns, the first food of newborns and the frequency of breast feeding However, a significant difference was found in the mean starting time and frequency of breast feeding at the hospitals. It can be concluded that delivery type is not very significant in patterns of breast-feeding