BREASTFEEDING CHALLENGES FACED BY THE PRIMI-POSTNATAL WOMEN IN FIRST WEEK OF PUERPERIUM

Abstract

Breastfeeding has extensive, lasting impact on the health of the newborn. Many women face challenges in early postnatal days to feed baby by breast. This study is aimed to determine the challenges in breast feeding faced by the primi postnatal women in early postnatal period.

Methods and materials: By using descriptive research design, data was collected from 105 respondents. LATCH scoring of the participants was observed prior to collect the data.  By using semi structured self- administered questionnaire information related to challenges are collected.

Results: 23% had moderate LATCH scores and 14% are shown poor LATCH scores. The various challenges faced by the postnatal women are 29% of the mothers had insufficient milk secretion, 20% had sore nipple, 44% had mothers had breast engorgement, 32% said their health condition itself is a challenge, 33% had fear of passing infection, 11% mothers had fear of physical appearance, 27% felt type of birth is a challenge, 93% women felt pain, 38% had difficulty in latching. Lack of confidence in feeding was observed in 69% mothers and 86% mothers felt lack of knowledge about breast feeding is a challenge. 

Conclusion: There is a need to provide adequate information to first time mothers about the common challenges faced by mothers to breastfeed the newborn which will help the mothers to provide better care for their newborn.