Factors associated with early cessation of exclusive breast feeding among Saudi mothers: A prospective observational study

CONTEXT: World Health Organization recommending initiation of breastfeeding within hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. In Saudi Arabia, there is a paucity of studies on the factors associated with early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. AIMS: We aimed to assess the exclusive breastfeeding rates and to identify the risk factors for early breastfeeding cessation at maternal and institutional levels. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective observational study carried out at King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: It included all postpartum women who had given birth to full term, singleton, healthy newborns, and were breastfeeding before discharge. Data were collected before discharge, 2 weeks, and 8 weeks postpartum using an adapted instrument. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Using JMP14 software with appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: The study included 136 mothers, of whom 37.5% were exclusively breastfeeding in the first 2 weeks; this rate dropped to 19% with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001). Early breastfeeding cessation was significantly associated with maternal age, health status, mother's knowledge, and attitude, in addition to other modifiable factors that was encountered during hospital stay such as latching difficulties and introduction of formula feeding. CONCLUSIONS: This study reported low exclusive breastfeeding rates in the first 2 months postpartum among Saudi mothers. Multiple factors were associated with breastfeeding, and some are modifiable. Breastfeeding promotion and support for is a critical role required from healthcare workers in all settings, including primary health care. Healthcare professionals play a major role in promoting, protecting, and supporting exclusive breastfeeding.