Title:
PRACTICES OF HEALTH WORKERS REGARDING EARLY BREASTFEEDING INITIATION IN CHIPINGE DISTRICT, ZIMBABWE ELMS

Authors:
Gladys Mugadza, Mathilda Zvinavashe, Felicity, Zvanyadza Gumbo, Babill Stray-Pedersen,Zimbabwe

Abstract:
Despite Early Breastfeeding Initiation being a natural process for any woman who has given birth, it is the timing of breast feeding that really matters for neonatal health and survival. Soon after giving birth, the mother experiences mental, emotional and physical changes that may interfere with early breastfeeding initiation (EBFI Support of nurses and midwives soon after birth is critical for a satisfactory timely initiation of breastfeeding within an hour of giving birth as recommended by World Health Organisation [WHO]. Objective: To determine Health workers practices regarding early breastfeeding initiation (EBFI). Materials and methods A descriptive observational study was conducted among 200 delivering mothers to determine practice of nurses and midwives regarding EBFI within the first hour of birth. Early breast feeding initiation was defined as the actual giving of the first breastmilk within an hour of birth (WHO, 2010). An observational checklist was used to assess such factors as maintenance of early skin to skin contact, helping mothers to latch baby on breast and giving of relevant education within the first hour of birth. Results At time of baby expulsion, 168 (84%) of the infants were delivered onto the mother’s abdomen and 100 (50 %) managed to receive colostrum within an hour of birth. While 84% of the infants had initial skin to skin contact at time of birth, a smaller number 18(9%) had maintained skin contact for an hour as 182(91%) of the babies were dressed immediately after birth. Discussion Interrupted early skin to skin contact and lack of practical support from health workers impacted negatively on timely initiation of breastfeeding. Conclusion Provision of EBFI education and practical support to mothers in the immediate post - partum period is the prime duty of the nurse- midwife.