Early initiation of breastfeeding, colostrum avoidance, and their associated factors among mothers with under one year old children in rural pastoralist communities of Afar, Northeast Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

• Authors: Gebretsadkan Gebremedhin Gebretsadik, Mekelle University; Helen Tkuwab, Mekelle University; Kidanemaryam Berhe, Mekelle University; Afework Mulugeta, Mekelle University; Hajira Mohammed, Emory University; Abebe Gebremariam, Emory University
• Journal Title: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
• Volume: Volume 20
• Publisher: BioMed Central | 2020-08-05
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03151-z
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Health Sciences, Public Health
• Keywords: EIBF; Colostrum avoidance; Pastoralist; Ethiopia

Abstract

Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is defined as initiation of breastfeeding within 1 h of birth. This is also the time colostrum is secreted with its potential benefits. Globally, two out of five under 5 children die in the first month of life, more than a third of which being on the first day. Neonatal mortality is still a major health problem in Ethiopia. EIBF and colostrum feeding are associated with decreased neonatal morbidity and mortality. With this study, we aim to determine the magnitude and factors associated with EIBF and colostrum avoidance.