Insights on exclusive breastfeeding norms in Kinshasa: findings from a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

For optimal growth and development, the World Health Organization recommends that children be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. However, according to the nationally-representative 2013-2014 Demographic and Health Survey, under 50% of babies in the Democratic Republic of Congo are exclusively breastfed. Although breastfeeding was common in the capital city of Kinshasa, one in five newborns received alternatives to breastmilk during the first 3 days of life. This analysis aimed to identify social norms influencing exclusive breastfeeding, the role of a young first-time mother's (FTM's) social network for her choice to exclusively breastfeed, and perceived social sanctions associated with breastfeeding practices in Kinshasa.

Methods

The qualitativ

SUBMITTER: Wood FE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7539451 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature