Challenges of Exclusive Breast Feeding for Mother and Child
Mattehullah, Samson (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202503073812
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202503073812
Tiivistelmä
Breastfeeding is recognized as the most effective public health intervention to reduce infant malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality, with the World Health Organization advocating for exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life. This systematic literature review investigates the challenges faced by mothers and infants in practicing EBF, highlighting the disparity in breastfeeding practices across different socioeconomic and cultural contexts.
The Nola Pander Health promotion (HPM) theory and Theory of Maternal Role Attainment developed by Ramona Mercer motivated this study. A qualitative systematic literature review was performed on 7 articles that were identified from scientific electronic databases like CINAHL, EBSCO, PUBMED, BioMed Central Journal, Google Scholar, and Novia FINNA E-book
Two themes and sixteen sub-themes emerged. Key challenges identified include maternal employment constraints, cultural beliefs regarding prolateral feeding, inadequate maternal education and awareness, maternal health issues, and societal pressures that influence breastfeeding decisions. Findings indicate that many mothers struggle to initiate and sustain EBF, exacerbated by factors such as insufficient breast milk production and child refusal to breastfeed. The review underscores the need for comprehensive awareness campaigns and supportive policies to address these barriers, particularly in rural and low-income settings. Ultimately, addressing these challenges is crucial for improving breastfeeding rates and enhancing maternal and child health outcomes globally.
The Nola Pander Health promotion (HPM) theory and Theory of Maternal Role Attainment developed by Ramona Mercer motivated this study. A qualitative systematic literature review was performed on 7 articles that were identified from scientific electronic databases like CINAHL, EBSCO, PUBMED, BioMed Central Journal, Google Scholar, and Novia FINNA E-book
Two themes and sixteen sub-themes emerged. Key challenges identified include maternal employment constraints, cultural beliefs regarding prolateral feeding, inadequate maternal education and awareness, maternal health issues, and societal pressures that influence breastfeeding decisions. Findings indicate that many mothers struggle to initiate and sustain EBF, exacerbated by factors such as insufficient breast milk production and child refusal to breastfeed. The review underscores the need for comprehensive awareness campaigns and supportive policies to address these barriers, particularly in rural and low-income settings. Ultimately, addressing these challenges is crucial for improving breastfeeding rates and enhancing maternal and child health outcomes globally.