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. 2021 May 31:5:16.
doi: 10.18332/ejm/134846. eCollection 2021.

Maternity ward staff perceptions of exclusive breastfeeding in Finnish maternity hospitals: A cross-sectional study

Mervi Hakala  1   2 , Pirjo Kaakinen  2   3 , Maria Kääriäinen  1   2   3 , Risto Bloigu  4 , Leena Hannula  5 , Satu Elo  6   7
Affiliations

Maternity ward staff perceptions of exclusive breastfeeding in Finnish maternity hospitals: A cross-sectional study

Mervi Hakala et al. Eur J Midwifery. .

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to describe exclusive breastfeeding (EBF, Step 6 of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative) in Finnish maternity hospitals and identify factors that promote or limit EBF.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used, and data were collected from eight maternity hospitals in Finland during a 10-day period in May 2014. The staff completed questionnaires (n=1554) from separate work shifts. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and chi-squared and Fisher's tests. Responses to open-ended questions were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: Maternity ward staff reported that 72% (n=1105) of the infants were exclusively breastfed during their work shift. The strongest promoting factors of exclusive breastfeeding were: maternity ward staffs' profession and education in breastfeeding counselling; multiparity; vaginal delivery; early skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant; initial breastfeeding after birth; rooming-in; and initial success of breastfeeding. The use of a nipple shield, the need for additional breastfeeding counselling, and infants' blood tests were limiting factors to exclusive breastfeeding. Open-ended answers revealed that exclusive breastfeeding was mainly delayed because of medical issues for the mother or infant.

Conclusions: Finnish maternity hospitals could improve exclusive breastfeeding rates by focusing attention and resources on breastfeeding counselling and evidence-based maternity care practices related to immediate care after birth, promoting vaginal delivery, rooming-in and availability of skilled counselling.

Keywords: Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative; Step 6; exclusive breastfeeding; infant; maternity ward staff; questionnaire.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none was reported.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic showing the study structure and the questionnaire responses over various shifts.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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