TABOOS AND MYTHS REGARDING BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES IN PREGNANT POPULATION

• Published in: Pakistan Armed Forces medical journal Vol. 71; no. 5; pp. 1647 - 50
• Main Authors: Ibrar, Faiza, Khursheed, Naila, Qamar, Saima, Masud, Atikka, Ifthikhar, Bushra, Gul, Seema
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rawalpindi Knowledge Bylanes 31.10.2021; AsiaNet Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd; Army Medical College Rawalpindi
• Subjects: Age; Babies; Breast feeding; Breastfeeding & lactation; Breasts; Children & youth; Diarrhea; exclusive breast feeding; Families & family life; Female employees; Maternal & child health; Maternity & paternity leaves; Mothers; myths; Pregnancy; Questionnaires; Taboos; Vomiting
• ISSN: 0030-9648; 2411-8842
• DOI: 10.51253/pafmj.v71i5.4765

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.