Paper ID: TAGJ25092510

Barriers and Facilitators of Early Breastfeeding Initiation among Prime Para Mothers at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, South Western Uganda 

Mwesigwa Peruth Komuceera Mbaze*, Francis Kazibwe, Gladys Nakidde

Faculty of Health Sciences

Bishop Stuart University

P. O. Box 09, Mbarara, Uganda.

*Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Background: Early breastfeeding, defined as initiation within the first hour of birth, is essential for reducing neonatal mortality, strengthening infant immunity, and promoting healthy growth. Despite global recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), many primiparous mothers experience delays. This study aimed to assess the barriers and facilitators of early breastfeeding initiation among primiparous mothers in South-western Uganda.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, and structured questionnaires were administered to 420 primiparous mothers attending postnatal clinics. Consecutive sampling was used to ensure participant diversity. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multinomial logistic regression. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly observed throughout the study.

Results: The findings revealed that only 29% of primiparous mothers reported early initiation of breastfeeding. The main facilitators were giving birth to a female baby, mode of delivery, and receiving assistance from a health worker to initiate breastfeeding.

Conclusion: Among the 100 primiparous mothers, only 29 were able to initiate breastfeeding within one hour of delivery. Early initiation was influenced by mode of delivery, sex of the baby, and whether the mother received assistance from a health worker. To improve early breastfeeding initiation and its associated benefits, the study recommends enhancing antenatal and postnatal education programs, strengthening hospital-based lactation support, and addressing maternal barriers through targeted counseling.

Keywords: Barriers, Facilitators, Early Breastfeeding, Initiation, Primiparous Mothers

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