Journal of Pediatric Research and Neonatal Care

Assessment of Breastfeeding Practices Following Cesarean Section at Essos Hospital Center: A Research Study

Ludovic Nguessa¹, Arsene Sandie², Anne Esther Njom Nlend^1,3,4,*

¹Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Cameroon
²African Population and Health Research Centre, Senegal
³Health Ebene Consulting, Research Department, Cameroon
⁴Higher Institute of Medical Technology, Health Ebene Consulting, Research Department, Essos Hospital Centre, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding, particularly when initiated early, is considered the optimal method for infant nutrition, offering significant benefits for both the child and the mother. However, the practice of breastfeeding can be influenced by the occurrence of a caesarean section.

Objective: The aim of this retrospective and analytical cross-sectional study, conducted between January 2020 and July 2020, was to evaluate breastfeeding practices after a caesarean section in the maternity ward of Essos Hospital Center.

Material and Methods: The study included women who underwent live-birth cesarean sections at Essos Hospital Center, and whose children were alive. Data was collected through interviews using a pre-established and pre-tested questionnaire. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was employed to assess associations between variables. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value <0.05.

Results: Among the 70 women included in the study, all mother-child pairs experienced separation, and none of the mothers-initiated breastfeeding early. Additionally, 42.9% of lactating women breastfed between 1 and 24 hours after birth, while 52.9% initiated breastfeeding 24 hours later. A statistically significant association was found between the duration of separation and delayed breastfeeding initiation (duration of separation 24h (OR= 0.07; CI= 0.00-0.42; p=0.016); 48h (OR=0, 02; CI=0.00=0.18; p=0.002); 48h-72h (OR=0.03; CI=0.00-0.28; p=0.007)).

Conclusion: In this population, caesarean section and subsequent mother-child separation significantly delayed the initiation of breastfeeding.

Keywords:

Breastfeeding; Caesarean section; Post-partum