Practices adopted by puerperal women in Alexandria and Assiut for early feeding of their newborn

ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to assess women's practices in feeding of their newborn during the first postpartum week in Alexandria and Assyut and the factors affecting them. It was conducted in obstetric and Gynecologic department of the new university hospital in Assyut city and the postpartum department of El-Shatby Hospital in Alexandria and included all postpartum women whose deliveries were normal during the time of data collection [n=198] 92 from Alexandria and106 from Assyut. The percent of women who started breast feeding in the third postpartum day was more among women in Assyut. A significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the time of initiation of breast feeding. Nearly equal percents of both groups used prelacteal fluids for feeding their newborn during the first postpartum days. In Assyut, education and employment played a significant role in the early practice of breast feeding and its regimen, while in Alexandria, parity influenced these practices. In both cities, women's self experience influenced their initiation of breast feeding. Media was a most effective factor in the practice of breast feeding with complementary fluids in Alexandria