Despite women’s knowledge on the protective effects of breastfeeding on children and themselves, they do not essentially parallel breastfeeding initiation and continuation past the immediate post-delivery period. This is resultantly from a variety of reasons related to:
Convenience –infant formulas tend to seem more convenient as they can be prepared and stored for later use. With breastfeeding the woman may have to secure a place she is comfortable to breastfeeding freely. Hence, alternative breastfeeding approaches are prioritized compared to actually breastfeeding. Solution-health professions should emphasize the importance of breastfeeding as the benefits outweigh of other alternatives.
Concerns related to physical discomfort or pain- Some women may experience pain when breastfeeding. They may have latching issues which may cause them to experience pain. As a result, this may deter them from breastfeeding their children .Solution –women should seek medical assistance, and even ask questions when attending ANC if they experience challenges when lactating.
Work related –a number of women are required to go back to work a few months after delivery. This hinders their ability to continue breastfeeding or initiate it at all.
Solution-these women can opt to express milk which the baby can later be fed on.
Medical conditions i.e. the woman may feel too weak to even breastfeed.
Solution-Seek professional help to treat the ailment, and further guidance on whether to proceed with breastfeeding.
Insufficient milk production-There women who choose not to breastfeed because they produce little milk. Women who consult with a professional, they can even advise you on foods that can promote an increase in your milk supply.
The inadequate knowledge on demerits of artificial feeding also prompt the limited breastfeeding practices among women. Whereas some women are aware of the importance of breastfeeding, they do not see the disadvantages of choosing artificial feeding over breastfeeding. As a matter of fact, most acknowledge that they do not perceive any risks associated with breastfeeding and either breastfeed or infant-formula fed children all grow up healthy. Solution; women should receive in-depth training on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and why breastmilk is the best choice compared other alternatives.
To avoid the interruption that breastfeeding is perceived to cause when introducing complementary feeding -other women choose not to breastfeed entirely to avoid concerns that may arise when introducing complementary feeding. They believe that starting with formulas reduces the likelihood that the child will face distresses or refuse to eat when food is introduced.
Physiological issues-some women may be concerned that physiological concerns can interfere with breastfeeding. For example, some women decide not to breastfeed due to inverted nipples even though it is quite a common issue. Women should be encouraged o continue breastfeeding and ask questions on any concerns, when they attend ANC visits.
There are those women who just don’t like to breastfeed, and as such choose not to. They can be encouraged and assured that it is not harmful or bad but actually beneficial. They can
Lactating women should be offered a setting that supports exclusive breastfeeding. Better training should be provided on issues that deal with breastfeeding to inform more women. In addition, professionals should assist women to solve challenges thy experience when breastfeeding.