Psychosocial factors influencing breastfeeding Behaviour of mothers attending home-based clinics in the Western Kenya

Abstract

Optimal breastfeeding is a crucial decision with lifelong health implications The practice of this behaviour provides numerous benefits over other methods of infant feeding (Arifeen et al., 2001 & Black et al., 2008). This practical evidence has led to the recommendation of breastfeeding as a cost effective strategy for improving infant survival and reducing the burden of childhood diseases, particularly in developing countries (Lakati, Binnis & Stevenson for both the infant and mother (Gross, 2008).

In Kenya, despite the numerous health benefits of optimal breastfeeding, of all the mothers approximately 52 percent initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, 3 percent exclusively breastfeed for 6 months and 57 percent continue breastfeeding through the first year (Kenya Demographic Health Survey, 2008-09). 2001; Sikorski et al., 2001; Jones et al., 2003 & WHO, 2007).

While optimal breastfeeding is a key strategy in tackling the fundamental policy goal of addressing health issues of infants and children this practise is far from reach (GOK/WHO, 2004). In Kenya sub-optimal breastfeeding is widespread, perhaps due to the weak implementation and poor monitoring of Infant Young Child Feeding Programmes in the country (WHO, 2006). Presently, the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, Comprehensive Policy guidelines on Infant Young Child Feeding and ten steps to successful breastfeeding are among ongoing policy efforts being utilized to promote optimal breastfeeding in Kenya (MoH, 2007 & MoH, 2008).