Exploratory study: barriers for initiation and/or discontinuation of breastfeeding in mothers of children with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to identify the barriers associated with breastfeeding in mothers of Puerto Rican children with Down. METHOD: A non-probabilistic sample (n = 26) of mothers was used in the study. The sample was obtained in an institution in Puerto Rico specializing in care of infants with Down Syndrome [IDS]. A self-administered questionnaire was used consisting of six sections. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The majority of interviewed mothers (80.8%) had 70.0% or higher correct answers regarding the benefits of breastfeeding. 84.6% of the mothers who decided not to breastfeed or who discontinued breastfeeding reported as the main reason that the baby presented sucking problems and 50.0% of the participants were not allowed to have their baby with them during their stay in the hospital. 84.3% of the participants indicated having breastfed their IDS and 61.5% stated that they would not breastfeed in public places. CONCLUSION: Active support, instruction, and collaboration among members of the health care team are essential for breastfeeding success.