Barriers for early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding up to six months in predominantly rural Sri Lanka: a need to strengthen policy implementation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sri Lanka was named as the first-ever 'Green' breastfeeding nation status by the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) in January 2020. However, improvements are still needed. This study aims to identify barriers and facilitators for early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months in rural Sri Lanka.

Methods

We conducted in-depth interviews with 16 mothers with infants, who had been unable to practice early initiation of breastfeeding and/or exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), in six child-welfare clinics in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Three focus group discussions were held with public health midwives (PHMs). Initial thematic analysis that built upon force field and social learning theories was performed.

Results

Main barriers for

SUBMITTER: Agampodi TC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8034146 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature