Influence of breastfeeding education and support on predominant breastfeeding: Findings from a community‐based prospective cohort study in Western Nepal

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Breastfeeding education and support have the potential to improve breastfeeding outcomes. However, there is a lack of research on the impact of breastfeeding education on predominant breastfeeding in Nepal and other South Asian countries. This study aimed to report the rate of predominant breastfeeding at the first, fourth, and sixth months of birth and examine the influence of breastfeeding promotion on predominant breastfeeding. METHODS: A community‐based prospective cohort study was conducted in western Nepal. A total of 735 mother‐infant pairs were recruited within 30 days of childbirth and followed up at the fourth and sixth months to collect data on infant feeding practices. RESULTS: The rate of predominant breastfeeding at first, fourth, and sixth months were 88.6% (N = 735), 78.2% (N = 715), and 26.3% (N = 711), respectively, showing a significant decline with infant age. Mothers who received support on breastfeeding skills (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.73−3.75), those who received advice on keeping mother‐infant together (AOR: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.14−4.22) and who had initiated breastfeeding within 1 h of childbirth (AOR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.73−3.75), and who were educated, had higher likelihood of predominant breastfeeding at sixth month. CONCLUSION: This study asserts a need for continuous and focused breastfeeding promotion programs to educate and support lactating mothers.