Frequency and causes of failure in exclusive breast feeding in Babol, northern Iran: a cross sectional study

The reasons for the failure of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the world are different and it changes over time. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and causes of failure of EBF in infants in Babol, North of Iran.

This cross-sectional study was performed on infants referred to the health care centers affiliated by Babol University of Medical Sciences for 6-month age vaccination. Inclusion criteria were parental satisfaction, 6-month infant and lack of infant’s congenital anomalies. Mother and infant’s demographic information and breastfeeding outcomes were completed by mother’s self-declaration. A 4-option question was asked of the mother regarding infant nutrition including breastfeeding only, formula feeding only, relative formula feeding and relative breastfeeding. Descriptive and analytical indicators were used for data analysis.

Totally, 371 infants with the mean birth weight of 3265.82±514.19 g were entered into the current study. Most of them (72.2%) used at least one of the following cases: pacifier, bottle, sugar water or complementary feeding during the first 6 months of life. According to these results, the rate of failure in EBF was 72.2%. Based on the 4-option question on exclusive breastfeeding, 63.6% of infants had exclusively breastfed. Regression analysis was shown that the maternal age (p=0.012) and gestational age at birth (p=0.039) were predictors of EBF discontinuation.

In the present study, the rate of failure in EFB was 72.2%. The most common cause of failure in EBF was the uses of pacifier, bottle and sugar water which was occurred due to the lack of awareness of mothers. Moreover, the maternal age and gestational age at birth were effective factors of EBF. The EBF can be improved by planning in educating and supporting mothers, especially in cases where there is preterm delivery.